The late scratching of fancied runner Platelet has made no major effect on the odds for the Group 1 $1m VRC Sprint Classic (1200m) at Flemington today.
Platelet was a late scratching for the VRC Sprint Classic at Flemington. Photo by Jenny Barnes.
The Darren Weir trained Platelet was withdrawn by order of the stewards at ten o’clock this morning and was a $10 chance for the $1m weight for age sprint at the time of her scratching.
The stewards were forced to scratch Platelet after it was discovered that the dual Group 1 winning mare was stabled in the wrong stable according to the Security plan for the Flemington Group 1 runners and therefore was not under the scrutiny of the security system.
“We just felt that it (Platelet) wasn’t there under the same circumstances as the others,” chief steward Terry Bailey said.
“It was a Group 1. Mr Weir has been penalised many times. We have asked and begged and pleaded that when you have two stables you have to notify us where the horses are.
“The difficulty today for us was that there was security in place. I didn’t think it would be fair to everyone else if the same guidelines were not in place for every runner.”
Super Hong Kong sprinter Lucky Nine remains the clear cut favourite at $3.70 with last start Group 1 winner Buffering the next pick at $7.
The Peter Moody stable expects Moment Of Change to be very competitive and is now marked at $8 with Sydney sprinter Rebel Dane the next in the betting at $9.
Leading Brisbane trainer Robert Heathcote is confident that Buffering will be right in the finish again in the VRC Sprint Classic after collecting his maiden Group 1 victory by winning the Group 1 $1m Sportingbet Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley two weeks ago.
It took Buffering eighteen attempts to breakthrough for his initial Group 1 win but Heathcote reminded us that several of his placings were behind champion mare Black Caviar and super sprinter Hay List.
“We all know what Buffering does – he jumps, he runs, he puts pressure on, and those that want to pressure him will be the first horses undone,” said told the Herald Sun.
“If I needed any comfort in that this is a genuine quality race, you look back through his form lines and he has finished second to Black Caviar and second to Hay List.
“He will definitely be there when the whips are cracking.”
