By Bren O'Brien
A setback with a bruised foot has forced G1 Golden Slipper S. winner Farnan (Not A Single Doubt) out the Roman Consul S. which was to be his final lead-up run to The Everest, while one of his key rivals for the $15 million race, Gytrash (Lope De Vega {Ire}), has breezed through a Warwick Farm track gallop.
Farnan has not raced since being beaten as a hot favourite in the G2 Run To the Rose S. last month, and was later treated for a minor infection, with the Roman Consul set to be his tune-up run for The Everest, to be run on Saturday week.
But co-trainer Adrian Bott reported to Racing NSW stewards that the 3-year-old had been administered an anti-inflammatory medication after being found to have bruising in the off-fore foot which had resulted in mild lameness.
"Mr Bott advised the stable is hopeful that condition will resolve quickly and the colt will not miss any work. Mr Bott agreed to provide an update to Stewards later this week in respect to the progress of the condition," a Racing NSW stewards statement read.
"Mr Bott advised the stable is hopeful that condition will resolve quickly and the colt will not miss any work." - Racing NSW stewards statement
"Farnan will be inspected by Racing NSW Veterinarians in the lead up to The TAB Everest."
Farnan was chosen by co-owner Aquis to run in its slot for The Everest. Aquis and Phoenix Thoroughbreds, who bred the colt, agreed to sell a share in Farnan to Kia Ora Stud before his current campaign.
Meanwhile, Gytrash, who has been freshened since his upset win over Nature Strip (Nicconi) in the G3 Concorde S. on September 5, looked very much on track for The Everest in working with Noble Boy (Bon Hoffa) between races at Warwick Farm.
Ridden by Jason Collett, he closed off his final 600 metres in a comfortable 34.2s, and the work very much pleased his trainer Gordon Richards.
"It's what we planned to do and he looked strong and came around the turn okay. We’re very happy," Richards said after the exhibition gallop.
"It was just a nice easy hitout. I don’t know what they've done in terms of time, but he seemed to be moving pretty well and it’s good that Clare (Cunningham) can send one with him to keep him company. I'm happy, he's had what is basically a day out at the races."
Gytrash will likely only have one more piece of solid work before he takes on the nation's top sprinters in The Everest on Saturday week.
"We will just assess him tomorrow morning, but I dare say he will have a good hitout next Tuesday and that will be it, and we will head towards The Everest," Richards said.
"So far, it looks smooth sailing, he's one of the few that has had no problems."
Gytrash remains second favourite for The Everest at $5, with Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt) currently at the top of the market at $4.50.
Gytrash (white cap)
Richards said he was impressed by what both Libertini (I Am Invincible) and Classique Legend were able to do in finishing first and second respectively in the G2 Premiere S. last Saturday.
"Libertini was really good last week and I thought the grey horse was a really good run for a beaten horse. He seemed to have no luck. Libertini had the nice suck run behind the leaders who went pretty quick and the time looked good," he said.
Richards was also willing to forgive the runs of The Everest contenders Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) and Santa Ana Lane (Lope De Vega {Ire}), who were both unplaced in the G2 Gilgai S. at Flemington.
"The two in Melbourne, it’s hard to tell, with the race down the straight. They are hard races to get a read on, but they’ll be there along with plenty of other good ones on Saturday week."
Ten days out from the race, 11 of the 12 slots are filled for The Everest with Chris Waller Racing the only slotholder yet to select its runner.
