Thai Alert out of Derby

27/02/09

Pre-race favourite Thai Alert has been scratched from the Group Two World 4 Pets Richmond Derby after dropping a back muscle in a trial on Wednesday with his immediate racing future in serious doubt.

Trainer Richard Dean couldn’t believe the timing of the incident as his black star looked set to claim his first group race and must now play the waiting game to see if he can return to the track.

“He completely dropped his back muscle and with all back muscle injuries being highly serious, the vet has told us it is a wait and see with regards to him ever returning to the race track,” said Dean.

Brother Repeated, who is also prepared by Dean out at Riverstone, assumes favouritism for the Group Two race at $3.40 with Cool Flight and Ticabond off the rails on the next line at $4.00. Dean however was completely puzzled when told of the quote on offer for his remaining entrant.

“Really, he faces a hard task from out there (box eight) to get to the rails.

“Sid Swain’s dog (Cool Flight) and Branded look the leading contenders, it is a hard race,” added Dean.

With the scratching of Thai Alert and the non-acceptance of first emergency Zen Chi Blue, 2008 Maitland Cup winner Awesome Hustler slides into box six and will look to cause an upset by adding another Group Two to his mantle.