The Team Snowden trained Invader is in doubt to run in the Group 1 $3.5m Longines Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday after developing a hoof problem.
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.
Co-trainer Peter Snowden informed Racing New South Wales Stewards this morning that Invader was being treated for a stone bruise to its off fore foot and his condition would be closely monitored during the day.
Invader will now be inspected by Racing NSW’s veterinary surgeon Dr Criag Suann this afternoon and Racing New South Wales released the following statement on their website.
“Trainer Peter Snowden this morning advised Racing NSW Stewards that INVADER was found to have sustained a stone bruise to its off-fore foot and has been displaying tenderness in that region.
“Mr Snowden further advised his stable veterinarian is currently treating the condition and the colt will be monitored throughout the day.
“Racing NSW Senior Official Veterinarian, Dr Craig Suann, will this afternoon inspect Invader to ascertain its suitability to take its place in Saturday’s Longines Golden Slipper.”
The Gary Portelli trained Single Bullet will be inspected again by Dr Suann this afternoon after the colt was cleared yesterday of any lameness after becoming cast in his stall on Wednesday resulting in some abrasions on both front legs.
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 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 and Menari, 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.
