Trainer Peter Snowden has informed Racing New South Wales stewards that 2014 Golden Slipper betting favourite Earthquake was treated for a mild temperature on Sunday morning.
Earthquake will be examined by Racing New South Wales vets in the lead-up to the 2014 Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens this weekend. Photo by: Steve Hart
Earthquake is a clear favourite for the 2014 Golden Slipper, following her impressive wins in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) and Group 2 Reisling Stakes (1200m), but her odds for the Group 1 event are expected to drift following the news that she was treated with a mild antibiotic on the weekend.
“Peter Snowden has reported to Stewards that Earthquake had a slightly raised temperature on Sunday 30th March 2014 for which the filly was treated with a mild antibiotic,” the stewards’ report said.
“That temperature has returned to within normal parameters since Monday, but blood tests performed on Monday the 31st March 2014 displayed an elevated white blood cell count slightly outside the filly’s normal range.”
Snowden told stewards that Earthquake appeared to bounce back from the fever quickly and finished all her feed on Sunday evening before working well during trackwork at Warwick Farm on Monday and Tuesday morning.
Earthquake was given an endoscopic examination, which failed to show up any issues, and Snowden said that he would delay the Exceed And Excel fillies final track gallop until Wednesday, but did not appear concerned about the minor setback when speaking to TVN this morning.
“Earthquake will have a hit out in the morning and that is it until Saturday for her,” Snowden said.
“I thought her run at Rosehill the other day was outstanding and from a conditioning point of view she will definitely benefit from that run.
“Backing up this Saturday is perfect and she has had a good prep.”
Racing New South Wales stewards will continue to monitor the progress of Earthquake in the lead-up to the Golden Slipper and would be desperate to avoid a repeat of the lengthy saga that carried on after revelations that champion mare More Joyous was found to be lame in the lead-up to the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1500m) during the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival last year.
“Racing NSW Senior Official Veterinarian Dr Craig Suann is liaising with the Darley Veterinary Department and will inspect Earthquake at its Warwick Farm stable on Wednesday 2nd April 2014,” the report said.
“Dr Suann will continue to monitor Earthquake’s condition in the lead up to Saturday’s race engagement.”
Earthquake remains on top of 2014 Golden Slipper betting markets and is currently available at odds of $2.20 to give Darley their second win in the Group 1 event.
