The shock race morning scratching of the favourite Viddora has forced a betting reshuffle for the 2018 Group 1 $1m Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville today.

Viddora, above, has been scratched from the Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphttville. Photo by Jenny Barnes.

Viddora, above, has been scratched from the Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphttville. Photo by Jenny Barnes.

Trainer Lloyd Kennewell discovered swelling in one of the mare’s hind tendon’s and had no choice but to withdraw her from “today’s Adelaide Festival Of Racing feature Group 1 race for the fillies and mares.

“We don’t know what’s happened,” Kennewell told The Advertiser.

“Perhaps she’s kicked out or got cast in her stall. She’s such a quiet horse, though.

“Every other horse in the place is as sound as a bell. I’ve definitely had better mornings.”

“She has swelling and trauma to a hind leg which looks to have happened by either getting cast in her box or kicking out overnight. Unfortunately we will never know.”

Viddora was the $4.50 favourite with Ladbrokes.com.au when scratched on vet’s advice, resulting in the Darren Weir trained Quilista being promoted to the top of the top of market order at $4.60 ahead of the Melbourne mare Super Cash at $6.50.

Kennewell now has the job of trying to get Viddora fit to run in the Group 1 $1m Darley Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville in a fortnight.

The Queensland Winter Carnival is always an alternative with the Group 1 $1.5m Stradbroke Handicap (1350m) on June 9 and the Group 1 $500,000 Sky Racing Tattersall’s Club Tiara (1350m) on June 23, both at Doomben, an option.

“Maybe she’ll make it to the Goodwood, maybe she’ll make it to Queensland, maybe it’s worse than that,” Kennewell said.

“We’ll know more after she’s had scans today.”

Quilista will now move into the rails position after Viddora had drawn barrier one and a clean jump will see the mare take up her customary roll in front to chase her fourth win on the trot which includes Stakes wins in the Group 3 $150,000 Birthday Card Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on March 24 and a last start win in the Group 2 $300,000 Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 14 with today’s rider Damian Lane in the saddle.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.