2016 Magic Millions Classic runners Sundance, Conchita and Dieters will all undergo a second veterinary examination tomorrow morning before they are cleared to contest the $2 million event at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Dieters is one of three horses that will be closely inspected by Racing Queensland stewards ahead of the 2016 Magic Millions Classic. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Trainer Toby Edmonds revealed yesterday that Sundance was found with an abscess on his off hind hoof earlier in the week and would be closely monitored in the lead-up to the Magic Millions Classic, while Racing Queensland veterinarians were not satisfied with the physical condition of Conchita and Dieters after they underwent mandatory inspections this morning.
“Racing Queensland Stewards have expressed concerns over the fitness of Magic Millions 2YO Classic entrants Conchita and Dieters following vet inspections conducted this morning,” the Racing Queensland statement said.
“A Racing Queensland veterinarian raised some concerns over the action of Conchita in the filly’s off hind leg.
“Conchita will be examined again tomorrow afternoon.
“A veterinary examination of Dieters this morning by a Racing Queensland veterinarian revealed the colt to be sore in both forelegs.
“Dieters will be examined again tomorrow morning.”
Rainy Day Woman, who Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne has been booked to ride, will earn a place in the Magic Millions Classic field if either Sundance, Conchita or Dieters is withdrawn from the race, while Gary Portelli is set to float second emergency Zafina to the Gold Coast overnight in case another horse is removed from the $2 million event.
The release of the statement by Racing Queensland stewards was criticised on social media by connections of Dieters and majority owner Rob Slade from Slade Bloodstock believes that there is no issue with the son of Written Tycoon.
“Horse is fine they are inspecting all runners tomorrow,” Slade posted on Twitter.
“Dan Griffin rode this morning action perfect.”
Dieters is currently available at 2016 Magic Millions Classic odds of $17 with Ladbrokes and he is one of five undefeated horses that are set to contest the feature race this weekend.
The two-year-old made his racing debut with an impressive victory in the Coca Cola Amatil Plate (1050m) at Doomben on October 3 and he upstaged a quality field to take out the Hamilton Hotel Handicap (1110m) at Doomben on December 19.
Sundance has been backed in Magic Millions Classic odds of $34 despite the concerns over his fitness, while Conchita has also been shortened into $26.
Capitalist remains a dominant favourite in the Magic Millions Classic betting market with Ladbrokes and he is now into a quote of $1.70 to record his third race win from as many starts.
