Victorian colt Nordic Empire is in doubt to take his place in the 2014 Jeep $2m Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday after pulling up lame this morning.

Nordic Empire is in doubt for the Magic Millions 2yo Classic. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.

Caulfield trainer Mick Price immediately called in the vet when it was noticed that Nordic Empire was lame behind at morning trackwork.

Price also notified Racing Queensland stewards that the Wilander colt will undergo further ultra sound examinations this afternoon.

“He seemed sore behind, near side,” Price told Racing Network.

“The colt was vetted and we suspect a significant tear to the hamstring/glute area.

“He will undergo ultra sound examination this afternoon and I’ve informed Queensland stewards.”

Nordic Empire has a Caulfield win and Canterbury third beside his name with Melbourne Cup winning jockey Damien Oliver to ride but his chances were severely handicapped when he came up gate nineteen at the Magic Millions barrier draw at Surfers Paradise on Tuesday.

Nordic Empire’s price had drifted out to $15 after coming up with the horror draw and if he has to come out Price will still be represented by the improving Geromayo.

Geromayo ($13) fared much better at the barrier draw with gate eight and even though he has yet to salute the judge, the Charge Forward colt ran a nice race when second to Magic Millions favourite Unencumbered in the $200,000 Wyong Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1100m) at Wyong on December 19.

If Nordic Empire doesn’t take his place in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic field, the Liam Birchley trained Sagatona ($12) will gain a start in the $2m feature race for the two year olds.

Sagatona is also yet to record a win but was beaten less than a length when third to Unencumbered in the Group 3 $150,000 B.J. McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on December 28 and has since won an 800m Deagon trial.