Niggling injuries to Group One-placed Bank Robber have forced trainer Gai Waterhouse to bypass Friday's Listed Carrington Stakes at Randwick.The premier trainer insisted there was nothing seriously wrong with the five-year-old and said he would have his next start in the Listed Canterbury Classic Stakes (1100m) on January 14."I've sent him up to the Randwick Equine Centre to have him X-rayed where his little problem is, his little hot-spots," Waterhouse said."We've changed his shoes in front and
Niggling injuries to Group One-placed Bank Robber have forced trainer Gai Waterhouse to bypass Friday's Listed Carrington Stakes at Randwick.
The premier trainer insisted there was nothing seriously wrong with the five-year-old and said he would have his next start in the Listed Canterbury Classic Stakes (1100m) on January 14.
"I've sent him up to the Randwick Equine Centre to have him X-rayed where his little problem is, his little hot-spots," Waterhouse said.
"We've changed his shoes in front and we've medicated his hock behind. We're having niggling problems with him, nothing major but enough to stop him from going really well."
Bank Robber was given topweight of 61kg for the Carrington (1100m) which has eight acceptors.
The gelding returned after a six-week let-up with a fifth to Prince Braeman in the Listed Razor Sharp at Randwick on December 19.
He was made to work hard from his wide alley, 10, and was travelling further back than he normally does in fourth spot before finishing 1-1/2 lengths from the winner under 61kg.
"That run was full of merit," Waterhouse said.
Prior to his let-up Bank Robber was third to All Silent in the Group One Patinack Farm at Flemington in November.
Stablemate Rabbuka is all systems go for Randwick where he lines up in the Listed Tattersalls Club Cup (2000m).
Rabbuka comes off a fourth to Palacio De Cristal in the Group Two Villiers Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on December 19.
A start earlier he returned from a spell and led all the way in the Listed Festival Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.
"I'm over the moon with him, he's rock-hard fit and ready to win this race," Waterhouse said.
Rabbuka has drawn the widest barrier, nine, and will be ridden by Blake Shinn.
"I haven't had a good look at the speed in the race but I'd expect him to be very close to the action. He's such a tenacious horse and he's done particularly well since the Villiers," Waterhouse said.
The Con Karakatsanis-trained News Alert is the TAB Sportsbet favourite for the Carrington at $3.20 ahead of Prince Braeman from the Paul Perry yard at $4.40.
The pair fought out a great finish last start in the Razor Sharp with the frontrunning Prince Braeman holding off News Alert by a long head.
Rabbuka is the equal second favourite for the Tattersalls Club Cup with TAB Sportsbet along with Fairygem at $4.80 while the popular elect is Rainbow Styling at $2.90.