Mo’unga, Shalatin requiring vet clearance ahead of Group 1 tests
Annabel Neasham has reported to Racing NSW stewards that Mo’unga was found to have a high temperature on Friday morning.
The dual Group 1 winner is set to line up in Saturday’s Group 1 George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill, but he will need to be passed fit to run if he is to take his place.
The son of Savabeel resumed with an eye-catching second to Sierra Sue in the Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 26, but after travelling back to his Warwick Farm base on Wednesday evening, he was found to be slightly unwell.
Neasham reported that the four-year-old left a small amount of feed following his travels back from Melbourne, while he was found to have a slightly higher temperature than normal.
A blood profile was taken on Thursday and it returned normal, but a further blood pathology sample is set to be taken from the entire on Friday morning.
The results of that sample will be provided to Racing NSW Veterinary Department for review, before an exam would be conducted by Chief Veterinarian Dr Toby Koenig if required.
Mo’unga is currently a $4 chance with online bookmakers in his bid to remain undefeated at Rosehill Gardens.
"Sierra Sue pulls clear."
What a mare she is! pic.twitter.com/INRp4HCjGp
— Racing.com (@Racing) February 26, 2022
Regular rider Tommy Berry is set to hop back in the saddle, with the pair drawing kindly in barrier four for the 1500m event.
Connections of the Joe Pride-trained Shalatin are also hoping that a vet’s examination will allow the colt to run in Saturday’s Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m).
The sole maiden galloper of the field was found to be displaying lameness in the off-fore leg, with a vet inspection identifying the lameness issue to be most likely caused by a plating issue.
The off-fore plate has been removed from the colt, while the horse is receiving treatment to that foot.
Shalatin will be replated on Friday afternoon, before another vet examination will be conducted on the horse to ensure he is fit to take his place in the $5 million event.
Shalatin is a $35 chance in the Golden Slipper with , with that market dominated by Coolangatta ($4.40).