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Source: Racenet, by Ben Dorries.
Champion trainer Chris Waller is now three-handed in the hunt for his first Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic with first emergency Ranch Hand gaining a start. The Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace-trained filly Fake Love had been ordered to have a series of vet checks after pulling a shoe but was scratched on Friday morning.
Fake Love was an $18 chance at the time of being scratched with Maher issuing a statement: “It is with great disappointment that we announce that Fake Love has been scratched … due to still being sore on her near fore this morning.
“While this is frustrating for all concerned, the well-being of the horse is our priority and we look forward to getting her sound, with lofty targets ahead for the second half of the season.”
It means Ranch Hand becomes Waller’s third runner in Saturday’s $2 million race, adding to his arsenal which already included second favourite She’s All Class ($4.20) and $10 chance Shaquero.
Ranch Hand, a colt owned by a powerful conglomerate including Coolmore, is now a $12 chance.
The colt won by more than three lengths on debut in Sydney two days before Christmas and was last seen finishing third at Eagle Farm behind Queen Of Wizardry.
Ranch Hand was sent out the raging $1.40 favourite that day but Nash Rawiller reported post-race the Fastnet Rock colt “was a little bit lost” and struggled to get comfortable early in the race.
Glen Boss was to have ridden Fake Love in the 2YO Classic but he has now been booked for Ranch Hand.
Meanwhile, unbeaten John Sargent colt Readily Availabull remains in doubt for Saturday’s Magic Millions Classic.
Readily Availabull was re-inspected by vets on Friday but was still showing signs of lameness in the near foreleg.
The colt will be re-inspected by vets on race morning.