By Adam Hamilton
Injury has ended Beautide’s hopes of an Inter Dominion three-peat.
Trainer-driver James Rattray officially scratched his champion pacer from the Perth series today.
“It came to crunch time to really step up his work. The vet had a look and wasn’t happy enough give us the OK,” Rattray said.
“It’s the leg injury which sidelined him earlier this year. It’s still healing and he needs more rehabilitation time.
“If we really rushed him, we’d run the risk of it going the wrong way.”
Beautide was diagnosed with the injury soon after his latest run, when second to Smolda in the Group 1 Len Smith on April 26 at Menangle.
“It’s not career-ending, this is more the timing,” Rattray said.
“If we look after him now instead of rushing, he can be back racing a bit later in the season.
“The Miracle Mile is the main goal now and maybe the Victoria Cup before that.
“We’ve always put the horse first and we’re not changing this time.
“If we do the right thing now, there’s every chance we can go to Perth for next year’s Inter Dominion with him.”
Rattray is still keen to be part of this year’s Perth series even without his stable flagship.
“I’ll be paying up for Modern Ruler, Blue Pointer who won really well the other day, and maybe even Pachacuti. And Dad (Barrie Rattray) wants Davendra to go as well,” he said.
“Sure it’s disappointing Beau won’t be going, but just being part of the Inter Dominion again would be fantastic.”
With Beautide out, the Aussie TAB has re-opened Inter Dominion betting and slashed Christen Me’s odds from $5.50 into $3.20 outright favourite.
Victorians Lennytheshark ($8) and Philadelphia Man ($11) are next from emerging local Waylade ($12).
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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