Il Paradiso out

Trainer Chris Waller has been forced to abandon autumn plans for the G1 Melbourne Cup placegetter Il Paradiso (UAS) (Galileo {Ire}).

He has advised Racing New South Wales stewards that the 4-year-old has suffered a tendon injury and has gone to the spelling paddock.

Il Paradiso won twice up to 3200 metres from Aidan O’Brien’s stable and was transferred to Waller after finishing third in the Melbourne Cup behind Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War {USA}).

G1 winner relocated

Maximum Security’s (USA) (New Year’s Day {USA}) owner Gary West has fired trainer Jason Servis after he was indicted in a doping scheme with Bob Baffert to take charge of the horse.

“Jason Servis, a trainer we have used for five years, has been indicted on multiple charges regarding using an illegal substance in horses. This news is extremely disturbing and disappointing," West said in a statement.

Servis' lawyer Todd Onore told Reuters in an email he had no comment on the dismissal of his client.

According to US prosecutors, Servis covertly administered performance-enhancing drugs to Maximum Security and "virtually all of the racehorses under his control".

Caulfield an option

Lindsay Park will delay a decision on starting Ready For Caviar (More Than Ready {USA}) at Caulfield until as late as possible.

The fourth foal of unbeaten champion Black Caviar (Bel Esprit), she is an acceptor for the Listed Redoute's Choice S. on Saturday and is also nominated for Benalla on Sunday.

Co-trainer David Hayes said the stable would study both fields before making a final decision.

"She has trialled nicely but we're going to weigh things up whether we run in the 1100 at Benalla or on Saturday," Hayes said. "She's a chance of running and with only eight runners, it is tempting.”

Wiles new CEO

Andrew Wiles has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer of Ciaron Maher Racing.

He recently returned to Australia after six years in Newmarket as Chief Financial Officer of Godolphin's global business.

Wiles was also formerly a director of Darley Australia where he played a major part in integrating the Ingham Bloodstock operations. A chartered account, he also served as a director of Hunter Valley Thoroughbred Breeders and major United States sales company Fasig-Tipton.

“I am thrilled to be back in Australia and particularly excited by the opportunity of working with Ciaron and his team who I consider to be the most dynamic and interesting stable in the country."

Softer option taken

Brad Widdup will take the easier option with Akari (Snitzel) and run the filly in the G3 Carlton Draught Kembla Grange Classic.

He also accepted with Akari for Saturday's G2 Chandon Phar Lap S. at Rosehill, but has settled on Friday’s event.

"I think it's just a safer option. I've got James McDonald and I'm happy with that from the draw (three). I think she gets her chance,” the trainer said.

Akari has finished midfield at two runs from a spell in the G2 Light Fingers S. and the G1 Surround S.

McEvoy departing

Long-time Stud Marketing and Stallion Nominations Manager Ryan McEvoy will leave Widden Stud this week after 15 years of service.

“It has been a great pleasure to watch the growth and development of Ryan in the bloodstock industry during his time with us and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours,” principal Antony Thompson.

“Ryan has been a key member of our team and we know he will always be a great friend to Widden.”

Status quo at LA Stud

Little Avondale Stud will hold the services fees of its three stallions for the next breeding season.

Per Incanto (USA) will stand at NZ$17,500 + GST, Time Test (GB) will remain at NZ$10,000 + GST and Nadeem at NZ$5000 + GST.

“Per Incanto has produced 22 stakes winners in the last 19 months highlighted by G1 Thorndon Mile winner Shadow’s Cast and the G1 Railway S., winner Santa Monica,” Little Avondale’s Sam Williams said.

“We received really positive feedback on the first foals of Time Test and we believe as a Group 1-winning son of Redoute’s Choice, Nadeem offers great value.”

Running scared

Rothfire (Rothesay) has scared off many of his potential rivals, leaving Saturday’s 2-Year-Old Jewel without a capacity field for the first time.

He will start a short priced favourite on his undefeated run of four wins and will have only nine opponents on Saturday. The gelding has won his past three starts by a combined 15l.

The Gold Coast track was rated heavy on Wednesday after torrential rain on Tuesday bringing the seven-day total to 66mm.

"My best win at the Gold Coast was with Buffering in the QTIS Magic Millions race and Rothfire is an exciting horse who like Buffering has been set for a big race," trainer Rob Heathcote said.

Etah James transferred

Group 3 winner Etah James (NZ) (Raise The Flag {USA}) will join the stable of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace after a brave performance when fourth in last Saturday’s G1 Auckland Cup.

The 7-year-old mare is in the twilight of her career and will be set for the G1 Sydney Cup on April 11, with Matamata trainer and part-owner Mark Lupton keen to make use of the dual-state stable.

“Ciaron and Dave have a Sydney base at Warwick Farm, headed by Annabel Neasham and we have an existing relationship with the Maher-Eustace team,” Lupton said. “Ciaron trained her half-brother Sniper a few years ago.”

Headache draws

Shaune Ritchie thought he was in a nightmare on Wednesday.

The Cambridge trainer was upbeat with his three runners heading into Trentham on Saturday, including G1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks favourite Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}), but horror barriers quickly put a dampener on things.

Jennifer Eccles, Swisswatch (NZ) (Swiss Ace) and Bella Mente (NZ) (El Roca) have all drawn the outside in their respective races and Ritchie is already contemplating only taking two contenders south.

“I have got to confirm it with the owners, but Swisswatch is highly unlikely to run from that gate in the Listed Lightning S. As a sprinter it is a nightmare draw,” Ritchie said.

Ritchie is ruing another outside gate for Bella Mente in the G2 carfinance.co.nz Wellington Guineas as she finished runner-up in the Listed Mufhasa Fasttrack S. at Ellerslie at her last start after once again drawing the widest barrier.

While frustrated with Jennifer Eccles’ draw in the New Zealand Oaks, Ritchie is hoping her class can prevail.

Stakes target

Well-bred filly Safe Passage (Snitzel) impressed on debut when winning the Tokoroa Cosmopolitan Club & Trees Tavern at Matamata on Wednesday for trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman.

Raced by James Chapman’s Jamieson Park, Safe Passage began well and sat outside the leader before careering away rounding the home turn and went on to record a comfortable 3.8l victory.

“It was a good win, she is a promising filly,” Baker said. “She is nominated for the G1 Manawatu Sires’ so we will see how she comes through this and assess where we go next.”

Safe Passage is out of Travessia (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), a half-sister to G1 Santa Anita Derby winner The Deputy (Ire) (Petardia {GB}) and champion Japanese sire King Kamehameha (Jpn).

He was purchased out of Arrowfield Stud’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale draft for $380,000 by Jamieson Park and bloodstock agent Bruce Perry.