Disappointing news for racing fans as Peter & Paul Snowden’s colt Bodyguard has been scratched from the 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes. The unbeaten colt, a leading contender, failed two veterinary examinations due to lameness.
![Bodyguard](https://www.racenews.bitofayarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/thumbnail_BodyguardBlue-Diamond-PreludeGroup-3_10-02-2024_WIN_Caulfield_6__734a-1-300x200-2.jpg)
Bodyguard has been withdrawn from the 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes field due to lameness. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
Bodyguard, a $1.6 million purchase, was aiming for his third win from three starts and the prestigious Prelude-Blue Diamond double. His scratching leaves jockey Mark Zahra without a ride in the race.
The Snowdens still have Fearless in the race for the same connections, an eye-catching runner-up in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes. He is currently an outsider at $34 in Blue Diamond betting at Ladbrokes.
High Octane is also prepared by the father and son training duo and is at a shorter quote of $6 through Ladbrokes to improve on his lead-up fifth in the Prelude.
With Bodyguard out, Matt Laurie’s Coleman (Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes winner) solidifies his position as the $3.50 favourite. First emergency In Her Eyes enters the field at 50/1.
All other contenders are cleared to run. The Blue Diamond Stakes remains the feature race on Saturday’s Caulfield card (Race 8, 4:15 PM AEDT).
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