Leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller is taking no risks with Arinosa, withdrawing the mare from Saturday’s $1.36 million Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) due to a minor foot issue.
The five-year-old has a foot abscess but is expected to be fit to chase her major winter goal of Group 1 success in the Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) on June 22.
The withdrawal of Arinosa is likely to cause a market reshuffle, with the grey sprinter rated a $10 chance.
With Arinosa put on ice for the Tatt’s Tiara, Waller’s in-form stable is likely to be without a Stradbroke runner.
One man who will be delighted with the news is Anthony Cummings who is now set to unleash a dual-pronged attack on Queensland’s most prestigious race.
Cummings-trained top fancy Your Song was already assured of a run but Fontelina is now set to assume the final spot in the field.
A Group 2 winner in the spring, Fontelina takes strong form into the Stradbroke after winning the Listed Luskin Star Stakes at Scone last month.