Major contender scratched from Ballarat Cup

HURRICANE Harley is a shock scratching from Saturday night’s Ballarat Pacing Cup as connections wait veterinary advice regarding his future.

Owner Anne Anderson revealed the stallion pulled up sore in a hind leg after track work at trainer Emma Stewart’s stable yesterday and had been withdrawn from the Group One as a precaution.

“He’ll be obviously going to the Ballarat vets and we will see what the outcome is there,” Anderson said.

“All I know is that they weren’t happy with him when he pulled up yesterday at Emma’s.”

Hurricane Harley’s scratching opens the door for emergency Kawalski Analysis to gain a start in Saturday night’s race, with the Matthew Craven-trained gelding drawn barrier 10.

Hurricane Harley’s absence has also seen favourite Lochinvar Art tighten in TAB markets to $1.15.

Anderson stated the son of Bettors Delight had seemingly been progressing well after his most recent seventh in a Vicbred Super Series Final on December 31.

“He’s been terrific,” Anderson said. “He’s been one of those horses that you love to have at Emma’s because he has never put in a wrong step.

“We were looking forward to the few races he has got coming up and especially with the random barrier draws because that helps Harley. He has got to draw the front.

“I don’t know that he would have won (the Ballarat Pacing Cup) over that distance (2710 metres) – that was always a query for me – but at the same time it was nice to draw two.”

The $1million Ainsworth Miracle Mile shapes as Hurricane Harley’s next major target.

“We were just going to look at some other country cups for him and maybe even the Miracle Mile,” Anderson said.

• HRV Media