By Michael Guerin
New Zealand’s sole representative at the Inter Dominion series is out because of a hoof abscess.
Trainer Mark Jones was left with little choice but to scratch Tact McLeod from the series, which begins at Newcastle tonight, after he was slightly sore leaving his box this morning.
“He has an abscess and it would have affected him tonight even though he could be okay in a few days,” says Jones.
“So I am pretty sure that puts him out of the series which is a real shame for everybody.”
Tonight’s opening round heats will go ahead as Newcastle has been spared the worst of the storm that have hit New South Wales.
Tact McLeod’s scratching came after withdrawal time so too late for the emergencies to get back into the series.
Before today’s announcement Tact Mcleod was a $4 favourite to win the series. Don Hugo has replaced him as the top pick at $4.20, ahead of Minstrel ($5) and Curly James ($5.50).
