Sharp ‘N’ Smart’s aspirations for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) have been dashed this year due to a viral infection, as revealed by a recent veterinary examination.
The New Zealand Horse of the Year, trained by Graeme and Debbie Rogerson, displayed an uncharacteristically poor performance in the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Hastings.
“He has got a viral blood disorder,” reported Graeme Rogerson.
“His work was enormous last Tuesday, and whether it was the (heavy) track and everything all added up, but he was fully vetted yesterday which revealed a viral infection.”
The focus is now on treating Sharp ‘N’ Smart, and a follow-up blood test in 12 days will determine the next steps.
Sharp ‘N’ Smart’s withdrawal from immediate targets includes prestigious races such as the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m), Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m), and the pinnacle Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m).
Despite the setback, there is a glimmer of hope for a potential Hong Kong campaign in December, provided the recovery progresses as expected.
“The horse comes first, and all the owners are right behind us,” emphasised Rogerson.
“He is certainly a good horse, but he has got his life ahead of him, and we have got to put the horse first, that’s the main thing.”
On a positive note, stablemate Solidify delivered a commendable runner-up performance in the Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m), earning praise from Rogerson.
Solidify is now set to take on the challenge of the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton next month.
“His run was very good, and he is learning all of the time.
“He is going to run in the Sarten (Group 2, 1400m) at Te Rapa and then he is going to Christchurch for the 2000 Guineas. I will then put him away, and I think he is a Derby horse in the making.”
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