A mildly elevated temperature has forced the scratching of Verry Elleegant from the Australian Guineas at Flemington.
Trainer Chris Waller said the stable was not prepared to take any risks with the filly who was a $10 chance in Saturday’s Group One Australian Guineas.
“Whilst it is only very minor, we can’t take any risks and therefore the decision was made to immediately scratch her and treat her accordingly,” Waller said in a statement.
“This was done to ensure she recovers and can continue on with a racing preparation.
“We are hoping she will recover from this quickly and hope to have her back racing in two weeks’ time.”
Fellow fillies Amphitrite ($4.40) and Mystic Journey ($4.60) head the market for the Guineas.
Verry Elleegant was to be ridden by Damian Lane who will now jump aboard Declarationofheart who gains a start as the emergency.
Delcarationofheart, who has finished second in two starts at Sandown this campaign over 1300m and 1400m, will be striving to give the Anthony Freedman stable Group One wins on consecutive weekends after two-year-old filly Lyre claimed the Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield.
“He looks well suited to the 1600 metres of Flemington and will race in blinkers for the first time,” Freedman Racing said on Twitter.