Bill Collins Speed Star top seed Worm Burner has been scratched from Thursday night’s match race series.
The former South Australian had completed an impressive trial on Sunday afternoon in preparation for the series when he tore a stomach muscle when pulling up in the catching pen.
“It’s just one of those freak things,” said his disappointed trainer Seona Thompson.
“He ran home in 10.32 in a hand slip which is flying because he’s normally a shocking trial dog. I was rapped with his trial but I knew when I let him out later that night that he wasn’t in good order. I got him checked by (leading greyhound vet) Barry Haywood this morning to identify what he’d done and how bad it is. It’s not good at all.”
It is just the second time Thompson can recall a greyhound tearing a stomach muscle. While connections are still assessing the severity of the injury, they are optimistic that this is not the last we’ll see of the reigning National Champion.
“He’s three and a half so it may well be his last run, but to be honest the plan was for him to contest the Speed Star, then Harrison-Dawson, then have a spell and target the Melbourne Cup. It still might happen, we’ll just have to wait and see.”
First reserve Princess Pout will take Worm Burner’s place in the series, and pending no further scratchings, will assume the inside draw against Bewlidering in match 2.
In other news from Awesome Lodge, Thompson declared group 1 winning stayer Burn One Down is a doubtful starter for the world’s richest race for stayers, the RSN Sandown Cup.
“I’m not saying he won’t be there, but he’s only ready for 600m at this stage. We’ve brought him along slowly after giving him plenty of time off and the timing of the Racecallers (group 3 best 8 over 595m this Thursday night) is perfect.
“We’ll see how he gets through Thursday night, but he’d be 50/50 at best.”
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