The build-up to Saturday's rich Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast has been thrown into chaos after the raging favourite, Warwoven, was found to be lame during a routine inspection on Friday.
Favourite Faces Race Morning Vet Check
The Sword Of State colt, prepared by trainer Bjorn Baker, must now pass a crucial supplementary veterinary examination on Saturday morning to be cleared to start in the $3 million feature race. The news saw an immediate market reaction, with TABtouch pushing Warwoven's price out to $2.20 from a previous quote of $1.75.
Baker's other runner in the race, Masvingo, also failed the preliminary test and, after showing no improvement in a 3pm re-examination, was scratched from the 1200-metre contest. Warwoven will be given a final chance to prove his fitness on race day.
"It is devastating to even be in this position," Baker told Racenet. "I'm not a vet and I'm not the judge and jury, so it's up to the vets who are best placed to make a decision."
Baker Confident But Cautious
Baker expressed confidence in his star juvenile, who has dominated his two race starts to date, but stressed the horse's welfare was paramount. "Warwoven won't be there if he is not 100 per cent, but I'm confident he is ready to run a great race," he said.
The trainer indicated a potential foot issue that the team hoped to rectify overnight. Warwoven has drawn perfectly in barrier six for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, but the uncertainty has seen a flood of support for other contenders. Zip Lock has firmed from $8 into $4.80, while Tornado Valley has come in from $11 to $6.
Ninja Firms for 3YO Guineas, WA Bitch Shines
In other Magic Millions news, Ninja remains a dominant $1.80 favourite for the $3 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) despite drawing the outside barrier (17). The gelding comes off an emphatic win in the Vo Rogue Plate at Eagle Farm two weeks prior.
Meanwhile, Western Australian greyhound Miss Envy delivered a gutsy performance to win the Group 1 Golden Sands (600m) at Albion Park on Thursday night. The $4.80 chance bravely fought off the challenge of Jay Walking on the final bend to score by a length.
"She has the heart of a lion when she is in front," said Steve Shinners, husband of trainer Krystal Shinners. The team had worked diligently on the bitch after she pulled up sore from a trial the previous week.
Miss Envy is now headed to Victoria for a campaign under trainer Kel Greenough, with connections believing she has a bright future over longer distances. "If we can get her up to the 700m… Kel believes that she will be a champion stayer," Shinners added.
