Godolphin refusing to abandon Emotionless

GODOLPHIN is clinging to hopes of a Caulfield Cup miracle for Emotionless, with stable staff refusing to abandon the injured raider’s campaign.

Trainer Charlie Appleby on Monday night all but ruled Emotionless out of Saturday week’s $5 million Group 1. But travelling foreman Chris Connett has not given up hope.

He said yesterday Emotionless would have scintigraphy [ bone scans] on a hind leg as soon as he completed quarantine on Saturday. “A saddle won’t go on him until we get the results back,” Connett said.

“After we get the results, Charlie will come up with a plan. It does make a big doubt for the Caulfield Cup, but we’re not completely ruling it out just yet. Obviously we have to see where the results stand and let the horse tell us how he is.”

Connett said Emotionless, a winner at Listed level and placed in Group 2 company, remained under veterinary supervision at Werribee and was coping well.

“He’s had very good veterinary supervision and he’s been thoroughly checked out by the team,” Connett said.

“Due to how lame he was, it’s been decided to scratch on all his exercise until we can get some scintigraphy on him.

“He’s eating up and not showing any signs of discomfort. He’s got a future, so we don’t want to rush things.”

Englishman Appleby will have three runners at Caulfield on Saturday — Jungle Cat, Blair House and Comicas.

Connett said Jungle Cat had thrived since winning the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield and would try to land a second Australian Group 1 in the 1600m Toorak Handicap.

“We’re very happy with him. We’ve given him a real easy week and we can’t wait for Saturday,” he said. Blair House has been nominated for the Toorak and the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m). “He’s a fit horse, so we’re very happy with him,” Connett said.

Comicas is slated to make his Australian debut in the Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes (1400m), in which he heads the weights on 60kg.

“He’s a versatile little horse and he’s Group-placed,” Connett said.