Burdekin Blues missed a crucial barrier trial test on Tuesday but remains on track for his comeback in the Group Three George Moore Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday week.Burdekin Blues, with Shane Scriven aboard, was withdrawn from his scheduled 860-metre trial at Doomben after loosening a front plate behind the barriers."He was a bit fresh and was playing around behind the barriers when he trod on a front shoe," trainer Barry Baldwin said."He could still have trialled if we took the shoe off bu

Burdekin Blues missed a crucial barrier trial test on Tuesday but remains on track for his comeback in the Group Three George Moore Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday week.

Burdekin Blues, with Shane Scriven aboard, was withdrawn from his scheduled 860-metre trial at Doomben after loosening a front plate behind the barriers.

"He was a bit fresh and was playing around behind the barriers when he trod on a front shoe," trainer Barry Baldwin said.

"He could still have trialled if we took the shoe off but it was a front one and he's had knee problems.

"If it was one of his hind legs I would have taken both shoes off and levelled him up but not with his front legs."

Baldwin's concerns were compounded as no farrier was behind the barriers for Burdekin Blues' trial.

Brisbane Racing Club officials came to Baldwin's rescue with an offer to gallop Burdekin Blues immediately after the completion of the Doomben trials.

"The club was very good and offered me a gallop between races at Doomben tomorrow or to gallop him on his own straight after the trial which I accepted," he said.

Baldwin was delighted when he eventually galloped Burdekin Blues who worked over 800 metres in 47.6 seconds with the last 600 metres in 32.9 seconds.

"It was as good a gallop I've seen from him," Baldwin said.

"It showed he hasn't lost any of his ability and he came home the final 200 metres in 10.68 seconds.

"My only concern with him is overstressing him first-up over 1200 metres."

Burdekin Blues is on the comeback trail since undergoing surgery on both front knees which ruled him out of the Brisbane winter carnival and the spring carnivals in Sydney and Melbourne.

He has hasn't started since finishing eighth to Nicconi in the Group One Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on January 30.

Baldwin has been concerned with Burdekin Blues' condition ahead of his comeback and preferred to start him in a 1000-metre race as a lead-up to the George Moore Stakes.

However, the only suitable 1000-metre race for him was a Flying at Roma in southwest Queensland last Saturday which Baldwin considered before choosing his aborted barrier trial.