The $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic has been thrown wide open in a dramatic morning of vet checks and withdrawals, headlined by the sensational scratching of the raging favourite, Warwoven.
Vet Drama Forces Favourite Out
The unbeaten colt and short-priced favourite was sensationally scratched on Saturday morning after Queensland Racing veterinarians overruled trainer Bjorn Baker. Warwoven had shown signs of lameness on Friday morning and was trotted up again for vets on Saturday.
Trainer Bjorn Baker stated he and his veterinarian, Dr Allan Frogley, were satisfied the horse was fit to race. "Warwoven was trotted up again this morning and, in the opinion of both veterinarian Dr Allan Frogley and myself, we were satisfied he was fit to race," Baker said.
However, the Queensland chief steward and the official racing vets took a more cautious view. Queensland chief steward Josh Adams confirmed Baker was disappointed but understood the process, appreciating the extra vet check afforded on Saturday morning after two checks the day before.
Double Blow for Baker Stable
The drama was compounded for the Baker stable with a second withdrawal. Stablemate Masvingo was also pulled from the race after pulling up lame in the near foreleg earlier in the week.
"Masvingo came up on the float on Wednesday night and, when trotted up on Thursday morning, was found to be lame," Baker explained. After a follow-up examination with Dr Frogley, the decision was made to withdraw her in the horse's best interests.
Race Landscape Transformed
The scratching of Warwoven, who was a dominant $1.70 favourite, has completely reshaped the market for the rich juvenile race. The $380,000 Gold Coast yearling purchase had headed betting since a brilliant win at Eagle Farm on January 3, which followed a dominant debut victory at Randwick on December 20.
With the two scratchings, the field is now reduced to just 13 horses. Zip Lock has been installed as the new favourite for the suddenly wide-open Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
The dramatic turn of events ensures the 2024 edition of the race will be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, with connections of the remaining runners now presented with a golden opportunity.
