The racing future of one of Australasia’s best pacers Guaranteed is in limbo.
Trainer Emma Stewart revealed a suspensory injury means her stable superstar is already out of Perth Inter Dominion contention.
And the Victoria and Hunter Cups in January/February also look out of the question.
“We had him back in work and close to go, then he had the setback,” Stewart said. “He’s now started an eight month rehab program.
“If we do the right thing by him, he should come through it ok.
“It’s the first real setback we’ve had with him. He’s raced at the top level every season since he was two. Not many horses can do that.
“This setback is disappointing, but we are really hopeful he’ll make a full recovery.”
Guaranteed has raced just 38 times for 24 wins, 10 placings and earned $832,216.
Earlier this season he won the Kilmore and SA Pacing Cups and ran a slashing third in the Miracle Mile.
He hasn’t raced since a well below par 11th in the Hunter Cup on February 7.
In contrast, glamour stablemate Philadelphia Man is close to a racetrack return.
“He’s been to a couple of trials and is coming along well,” Stewart said.
“He’s one of three horses we’re keen to take to Queensland next month. The others are Ideal For Real and Heavens Trend.”
Like Guaranteed, Philadelphia Man’s form slipped at the end of his last campaign, culiminating in a dismal 10th in the Hunter Cup at his most recent run.
Stewart said the Group 1 Blacks A Fake was Phildelphia Man’s Queensland target.
Ideal For Real, who contests the Vicbred final next Saturday night, will head north for the Queensland Derby.
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