NZ HARNESS NEWS
Todd MacFarlane has exercised caution with his star trotter Heavyweight Hero, scratching him from his engagement at Alexandra Parkt onight
It was to be the hulking trotter’s first run back for the new season, but a minor foot issue has seen those plans shelved.
“He has had a blow out in his foot, and I’m worried that if he raced it could develop in to a quarter crack,” said MacFarlane.
The Patumahoe horseman knows all too well about quarter cracks with Heavyweight Hero – it was what derailed his three-year-old season prematurely earlier this year.
“He developed a quarter crack and it sort of came out from the inside out.
“When it eventually blew out, he was as lame as anything.
“He had to spend quite a bit of time in a box due to the wet weather – about six weeks – until it grew back out.”
Mindful of that, MacFarlane is not taking any risks this time around.
“I’m playing it safe by backing off him and getting the hoof right before we carry on.
“I don’t want a repeat of last preparation.”
Heavyweight Hero was beaten a head by Custodian in the Gr.1 Harness Jewels 2YO Ruby at Cambridge in June of last year.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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