Shamoline Warrior, the clear favourite heading the betting markets for today’s Group 1 $1.5 million Victoria Derby had this morning been scratched from the race.
The withdrawal of the three-year-old colt from today’s Classic is another slap in the face for trainer Mark Kavangh who has had a horror Spring Carnival. Kavangh made the decision to withdraw Shamoline Warrior after the horse developed a lung infection and displayed a highly elevated temperature last night.
A field of 10 runners will now contest the Group 1 feature and the betting markets have been thrown into disarray. The reshuffle by bookies leaves the Michael Moroney-trained Kiwi galloper Monaco Consul ($4) and Danny O’Brien’s promising colt Rockferry ($3.80) now battling for favouritism.
Kavanagh’s last chance of success on Derby Day now lies with Shocking in the Group 3 $250 000 Lexus Stakes (2500m).
The scratching follows the retirements of Kavanagh’s Maldivian and top mare Cats Whisker due to injury and the defeat of his champion Whobegotyou as the short-priced favourite in the Cox Plate.
Meanwhile Efficient and Kirklees have both been scratched from next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.
