The Team Snowden trained Invader will be given another inspection on race morning after failing today’s vet check on the eve of the Group 1 $3.5m Longines Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill.
Invader, above in red and yellow colours, is in doubt to run in the Golden Slipper at Rosehill because of a hoof injury. Photo by Steve Hart.
Racing New South Wales Stewards order a vet’s inspection for Invader after co-trainer Peter Snowden had informed them that the Snitzel colt has suffered a stone bruise and was showing signs of soreness.
Racing NSW’s veterinary surgeon Dr Criag Suann failed to pass Invader when he looked at him this afternoon but will give the colt one more chance to retain his spot in the Golden Slipper when he has a second look at him on Saturday morning.
Racing New South Wales Stewards released the following statement regarding Invader.
“Invader has not passed vet examination this afternoon. Final decision on the colt taking place in Slipper to be made tomorrow morning.”
Invader is one of two runners for Peter and Paul Snowden, the other being Blue Diamond Stakes runner up Pariah, and the Snitzel colt came into Golden Slipper contention with a nose second to stablemate Gunnison in the Group 2 $300,000 UNSW Todman Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on March 4.
Team Snowden is looking to win back to back Golden Slippers after taking the prize last year with their brilliant two year old Capitalist.
Invader is marked as a $19 chance for the Golden Slipper with Ladbrokes.com.au while Pariah is closer to the top of the market order at $10.
Queensland filly Houtzen is holding her spot at the top of the betting at $4.40 in front of the Blue Diamond Stakes winner Catchy at $5.50 and Gary Portelli trained She Will Reign at $6.
If Invader is ruled out, first emergency and $51 outsider Chauffeur will join trainer Gerald Ryan’s other two runners, Trapeze Artist ($31) and Menari ($21), in the Golden Slipper field.
Chauffeur ran a flashing second to Houtzen in the $2m Jeep Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 14 before running fifth to Trapeze Artist in the Group 3 $300,000 Mercedes-Benz Canberra Black Opal Stakes (1200m) at Canberra on March 5 while Menari goes into the Golden Slipper on the back of a fifth to Gunnison in the Todman Stakes.
