Godolphin’s Group 1 winning sprinter Impending has been ruled out of the Group 1 $1m Crown Perth-Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot in Perth on December 2.
Impending, above, has been ruled out of a start in the Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot in Perth. Photo by Steve Hart.
Impending was displaying some filling and signs of soreness since running third behind Redzel and Terravista in the Group 1 $1m Darley Classic (1200m) at Flemington on the last day of the four day Melbourne Cup Carnival and won’t be joining his stablemates It’s Somewhat and Gaulois for the Perth Summer Racing Carnival.
Impending had been installed the $3.80 favourite for the Winterbottom Stakes and his non-appearance sees the locally trained State Solicitor move to the top of the market order at $3 with Ladbrokes.com.au.
The James Cummings trained Lonhro four year old claimed Group 1 glory during his three year old season with a win in the Group 1 $1.5m Stradbroke Handicap (1350m) at Doomben during the 2017 Brisbane Winter Carnival.
Godolphin Australia’s racing and bloodstock manager Jason Walsh said that it was unfortunate that Impending couldn’t tackle the Winterbottom Stakes as he was ready to be competitive following his good Melbourne form.
“We left the decision as late as we could, but we couldn’t risk putting him on a plane,” Godolphin Australia’s racing and bloodstock manager Jason Walsh told The West Australian.
“It’s a terrible shame because he was primed to run a big race.”
Cummings and the Godolphin Team will still be represented at the Perth Summer Carnival at Ascot on Saturday with promising three year old Gaulois in the Group 2 $500,000 W.A. Guineas (1600m) and It’s Somewhat is set for the Group 1 $1m Magic Millions-Kingston Town Classic (1800m) at Ascot on December 9.
“Perth has been on the radar for It’s Somewhat for the best part of a year,” Walsh said.
“The Railway looked a good option until his rating soared after he won the Doncaster.
“Sheikh Mohammed won the WA Guineas with Academus and while Gaulois isn’t as exposed as him, he’s progressive all the same.”
It’s Somewhat has been placed at his two most recent starts during the 2017 Melbourne Spring Carnival with a third to Lucky Hussler in the Group 2 $200,000 Schweppes Crystal Mile (1600m) at The Valley followed by a third to Tosen Stardom in the Group 1 $2m Emirates Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on November 11.
Gaulois will have to show some improvement if he is to be competitive in the W.A. Guineas after finishing eighth to Levendi in the Group 3 $200,000 The Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on November 4.
The Grant and Alana Williams trained State Solicitor has earned favouritism for the Winterbottom Stakes after working his way up through the grades with wins from his last three starts, including a last start victory in the Group 3 $150,000 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) at Ascot on November 18.
Early betting for the Winterbottom Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au: $3 State Solicitor, $4 Viddora, $6 Rock Magic, $8 Santa Ana Lane, $11 Fuhryk, $15 Dainty Tess, $21 Durendal, Whispering Brook, $41 Bourne Supremacy, Dream Lifter, Ellicazoom, Malibu Style, Ocean Jewel, Profit Street, Variation, $67 or better the rest.