Bande has been sensationally scratched from the 2014 Caulfield Cup after being found with heat and pain in his off fore tendon this morning.
Unchain My Heart will run in the Caulfield Cup with Stephen Baster aboard following the scratching of Bande this morning. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
There has been speculation for the past week that Bande was suffering from an injury problem and Racing Victoria stewards revealed yesterday that the Authorized entire would undergo a precautionary vet check this morning.
Racing Victoria Chief Veterinarian Brian Stewart conducted a lengthy examination of Bande and was immediately concerned about the action of the horse, but connections of the Japanese stayer were adamant that the stayer was fit and should be allowed to take his place in the 2014 Caulfield Cup field.
Stewart told Racing Ahead this morning that it was quiet clear that Bande was suffering from a serious tendon issue and he had no hesitation in making the decision to immediately advise stewards that the Japanese stayer should be withdrawn from the Group 1 event tomorrow.
“We just sort of finished up out here and it has been interesting,” Stewart said.
“We examine horse when we are suspect of the prep and we do that with all horses in high profile races
“Terry asked me to inspect and we found a quiet hot and sore off fore tendon.
“I think that it has probably been a problem that has been a long term issue that has been effectively managed by connections, but the morning before the race it has flared up.
“The tendon is hot and his condition is not acceptable for any race.
“It was a very straightforward veterinary decision.
“It was very definitely a tendon and there was no point in delaying the system even longer.
“Unless there is a minor miracle I don’t think that he will be running in the Melbourne Cup.”
The withdrawal of Bande means that veteran mare Unchain My Heart will now be given the opportunity to make her Group 1 debut in the Caulfield Cup tomorrow.
Unchain my Heart finished a credible third in the Listed Harry White Classic (2400m) at Sandown on September 27, but was outclassed when ninth in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield on October 11 and is set to start the 2014 Caulfield Cup as the extreme outsider of the field.
Lucia Valentina remains a clear favourite and is into a quote of $4 in Caulfield Cup betting markets, while Unchain My Heart is available at the monster 2014 Caulfield Cup odds of $201 with Ladbrokes Australia.
