Promising Queensland galloper Uncommon James has been ruled out of the 2022 Spring Carnival, with the stable confirming on Tuesday morning that he has gone to the paddock.
Trained by the in-form Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted barn at Eagle Farm, the lightly raced four-year-old was one of the favourites for next month’s Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) after a dominant win in the Listed Regal Roller Handicap (1200m) on August 13.
The son of Cable Bay has won five of his six career starts and was being touted as an Everest hope, but a “minor setback” has put paid to those plans.
The gelding was set to race on Saturday at Moonee Valley in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m), but the stable will now be focused on an autumn return.
“Unfortunately we have incurred a minor setback with Uncommon James presenting with some minor filling in his near front,” a media release read.
“Disappointingly, due to timing, we’ve made the decision, in the horse’s best interest, to stop now and send him for a spell.
“This will enable us to focus on the Autumn Carnival with him.”
Uncommon James has since been removed from Sir Rupert Clarke betting markets, which has seen impressive I Wish I Win – an impressive winner at Caulfield last Saturday – firm into $2.80 outright favouritism for the Group 1.
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