Magic Hurricane has been scratched from the 2015 Mackinnon Stakes and will head to the spelling paddock after he produced a poor blood test ahead of the Group 1 event at Flemington on Saturday.
Magic Hurricane will not take his place in the 2015 Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington tomorrow. Photo by: Steve Hart
Magic Hurricane was set to start the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) as a favourite following his victory in the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Royal Randwick on October 3, but Godolphin opted to remove him from the field after they were unhappy with his blood test results this afternoon.
Trainer John O’Shea was keen to give Magic Hurricane an opportunity over 2000 meters at weight-for-age level in the Mackinnon Stakes to see if he could win a race like the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) during the 2016 Melbourne Festival Of Racing, but he will now head to the spelling paddock before returning to begin preparations for his autumn campaign.
Magic Hurricane made his Australian racing debut with a win in the Randwick City Council Handicap (1400m) at Royal Randwick on June 6 and he made his Australian stakes level debut with a tough win in the Listed Premier’s Cup (1800m) at Rosehill Gardens on August 29.
The Hurricane Run gelding was narrowly denied a second straight win by Preferment in the Group 2 Hill Stakes (2000m) at Royal Randwick on September 19, but he returned to winning form with an outstanding staying performance in the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Royal Randwick on October 3.
Magic Hurricane was included in the acceptances for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) at Caulfield on October 17, but he was controversially named as the third emergency and he missed out on a start in the race before being set for the Mackinnon Stakes.
The withdrawal of Magic Hurricane has led to some changes to the 2015 Mackinnon Stakes with Ladbrokes and Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winner Stratum Star is now a clear favourite at a quote of $5.
Happy Trails has been the best-backed runner in Mackinnon Stakes betting markets in the last 24 hours and he is now on the second line of betting at $6.50, while Contributer and Flamingo Star are both priced at Mackinnon Stakes odds of $7.
Pornichet is the only other horse available at single figure 2015 Mackinnon Stakes odds at his current quote of $1.70, while Magic Artist has been the big drifter and he is out to $13 after opening at $9 earlier in the week.
You can score the best Mackinnon Stakes odds with Ladbrokes, who are offering Best Tote or Starting Price +20% on every single race at Flemington on Saturday.
