There are concerns about Golden Slipper favorite Earthquake. Trainer Peter Snowden has reported to stewards that Earthquake has had an elevated temperature but has responded to treatment.
Earthquake remains the clear Golden Slipper favorite despite the health scare and a wide barrier. Snowden told stewards on Tuesday the filly was treated two days earlier with a mild antibiotic when she was found to have a slight temperature. He says she ate well on Sunday night and her temperature was normal again by Monday although her white count was still slightly elevated. Earthquake will have her final gallop for Saturday's $3.5 million Slipper on Wednesday morning, a day later than normal. She will be inspected by Racing NSW head veterinarian Craig Suann after the workout and monitored in the lead-up to the race. Earthquake is the $2.30 favourite to win the Slipper despite drawing wide in barrier 13.