Coleman & Espionage in doubt for Golden Slipper
Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) victor Coleman and first emergency Espionage have until Friday to demonstrate their fitness after encountering minor setbacks in their preparations for the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m).
Coleman’s trainer, Matt Laurie, informed Racing NSW stewards on Wednesday that the dual black-type winner was experiencing “sensitivity” on the inside of his near-fore foot.
Laurie expressed optimism as the young contender responded well to treatment, with plans for Coleman to compete in a modified shoe configuration on Saturday.
In another development, Espionage, the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate (1000m) champion, faced a hiccup as co-trainer Adrian Bott disclosed to stewards that the colt had sustained an overreach wound to the inside of his near-fore heel.
Despite this setback, Espionage has not missed any training sessions, and Bott expressed confidence that the issue has been resolved.