The one-time second favourite for Melbourne’s premier two-year-old race has been scratched after failing a veterinary inspection.
Lofty Strike was withdrawn from the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday after a second inspection on Friday morning.
The Julius Sandhu-trained colt presented with lameness on Thursday morning and following Friday’s inspection by two Racing Victoria vets and an independent vet, Lofty Strike was deemed unsuitable to race.
Sandhu said Lofty Strike had a funny walk.
“The horse has historically never been the smoothest trotter in the world, and I have managed him accordingly,” Sandhu told racing.com
“But unfortunately, the decision gets made by people who are detached from the horse.
“That is just the reality.”
Lofty Strike was second favourite after Tuesday’s barrier draw but had drifted to the fourth line of betting prior to his scratching on Friday.
The Mathew Ellerton-trained Kiki Express, who had displayed lameness in her near fore on Thursday, was given the green light to start by RV vets on Friday.
RV vets re-inspected Sebonack as a precaution and passed him fit while Rampant Lion was also reinspected after shifting a plate on Wednesday evening and was also given the all-clear to start.
The scratching of Lofty Strike now sees Jacquinot as the $4.40 favourite with TAB ahead of Revolutionary Miss ($5.50) and Sebonack ($6.50).
Rampant Lion is a $19 chance with Kiki Express a $34 outsider.