Heart fibrillation does not read well as an excuse for a horse’s poor performance, but it invariably leads to good showing at their next start.
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable are hoping so when they saddle Commander Harry, who will be joined by Alverdun, in the Mahogany Challenge Handicap (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Commander Harry was diagnosed with heart fibrillation after finishing 13th in the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville on May 14.
“It’s one of those things unfortunately, an electrolyte imbalance,” Young said.
“In the past, not that we’ve had many horses with it, but when we have, they generally come out at their next start and win.
“Sierra Sue had it once and came out and won.
“We went over him, gave him an ECG, which came back fine, and he’s worked well since.
“We’ll see how he goes on Saturday, we’ve got Linda (Meech) back on him who knows him very well and hopefully he’s got that little bit of dash back as well.”
Young said the stable had considered sending Commander Harry to Brisbane for the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm last Saturday.
But the gelding would have needed to finish in the top five to justify the expense of the excursion.
“So, we thought we’d take him back to his own grade at Flemington over 2000 metres,” Young said.
“He’s trained on really nicely and he still looks really good in the coat.”
Young said she was looking forward to seeing Alverdun step up to 2000m after his last start win on heavy ground at Bendigo over 1600m.
“He’s by Dundeel and is looking for 2000 metres now and taking each step as he goes,” Young said.
“There’s not much between them on their work at home and are going into Saturday going very well.”