A decision on a start for New Zealander Sir Slick in the $3 million Cox Plate will be made by Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) stewards on race morning.RVL chief vet Paul O'Callaghan inspected Sir Slick at his Mornington stable on Friday following reports that the Graeme Nicholson-trained galloper had displayed soreness in his off-fore hoof.O'Callaghan will inspect Sir Slick again before 7.30am (AEDT) on Saturday morning at which time a decision will be made on whether the eight-year-old gelding ta
A decision on a start for New Zealander Sir Slick in the $3 million Cox Plate will be made by Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) stewards on race morning.
RVL chief vet Paul O'Callaghan inspected Sir Slick at his Mornington stable on Friday following reports that the Graeme Nicholson-trained galloper had displayed soreness in his off-fore hoof.
O'Callaghan will inspect Sir Slick again before 7.30am (AEDT) on Saturday morning at which time a decision will be made on whether the eight-year-old gelding takes his place in the $3 million 2040m feature.
Sir Slick galloped on the course proper at Mornington on Wednesday morning and pulled up well but Nicholson noticed he was "a wee bit tender" in a hoof in the afternoon.
There has been much interest in whether the $151 shot is fit to take his place as he is expected to be the race leader if he starts.
A veteran of 104 starts, Sir Slick has won 20 races in New Zealand including five at Group One level, the latest 17 runs back in the Thorndon Mile at Trentham in January.
He has raced in Hong Kong and Singapore but is still a maiden outside of New Zealand.
Sir Slick has been placed third four times from 17 starts in Australia, his most notable effort being his placing in the Group One Doomben Cup won by Cox Plate rival Scenic Blast in May.
He had 10 starts in Victoria last spring and summer but only managed one placing, in the Bairnsdale Cup (1600m) on January 4, before returning to New Zealand.