Protectionist in doubt for 2016 Melbourne Cup
IT has been a great year for 2014 Melbourne Cup-winning Protectionist since returning to the Andreas Wohler stable, but it’s now in doubt for the upcoming Melbourne Cup after showing signs of soreness.
Protectionist won the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Berlin last month, but it has since showed signs of soreness in which vets have been unable to locate the source.
Australian Bloodstock co-founder Luke Murrell believes it’s only a minor injury, but the problem comes with locating the area.
“There’s a little soreness up behind somewhere and scintigraphy has shown nothing so, unfortunately, that’s the unknown. If we knew what it was, we could get in and treat it,” Murrell said.
“It’s not for lack of trying. The vets have been over him and it’s only very minor.
“One morning he’s perfect but the next, he’s not. Anyone that didn’t know the horse as well as Andreas wouldn’t have picked it up.”
Murrell said Wohler would not be applying pressure to Protectionist until it’s 100 percent fit. He stated the injury has put serious doubts on its Group 1 Prix de I’Arc de Triomphe in October and the Group 1 Melbourne Cup at Flemington in November.
“At this stage he’s probably 99 percent,” Murrell said.
“Because he owes us nothing and how well he’s done for us. We’re happy for Andreas to take his time.
“Do we look to go off to stud this year or race on? The owners are leaning to pushing on because for a horse of his ability, there’s so much to be won over there.”
Protectionist is currently on the third line of betting at $21 with money coming in for fellow European raider Big Orange which is now $21 at Sportsbet.