King's Rose is in doubt for the Epsom Handicap

UPDATE: King’s Rose has officially been scratched from the Epsom Handicap.

One of the early Epsom Handicap favourites, King’s Rose, is in doubt for a start in the $500,000 race after her action appeared hampered during trackwork this morning.

King’s Rose is a new addition to the Moody stable after she was transferred from New Zealand to Melbourne last month.

The Redoute’s Choice mare was originally trained at Te Akau by Jason Bridgman.

King’s Rose has excelled since relocating to Australia, winning both the Group 2 Memsie Stakes and the Group 2 Stock Stakes.

The four-year-old was due to attempt her first Australian Group 1 start in Saturday’s Epsom Handicap.

The mare won her first Group 1 attempt in New Zealand by almost a length in the N.Z. Bloodstock 1000 Guineas in November last year.

In total, King’s Rose already has six Group titles to her name and was third favourite in betting markets to continue her dominance in this weekend’s Epsom.

Moody has ordered a vet inspection for King’s Rose following her trackwork performance and blood work has also been taken.

The trainer is expected to make a final decision concerning the Epsom Handicap later today.

King’s Rose is currently also nominated for the $3 million Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on October 22.