Trapeze Artist run on hold after crash
TRAINER Gerald Ryan says a decision on whether super sprinter Trapeze Artist runs at Rosehill tomorrow rests with owner-breeder Bert Vieira.
Ryan was shocked to learn Vieira’s wife Gaye was in a critical condition in a Sydney hospital after a car accident two days ago.
Her car bore the brunt of the collision with a Highway Patrol vehicle, which was engaged in a high-speed pursuit.
As a mark of respect, the trainer scratched one of the owner’s horses, Fast Train, from a race at the Gosford meeting yesterday.
Trapeze Artist is entered for the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m), his first start for the spring carnival and a crucial lead-up for the $13 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 13.
“It is entirely up to Bert. If he wants Trapeze Artist to run, we will run,’’ Ryan said.
“But if he doesn’t want it to run because of what has happened, we will scratch and go to Plan B.
“At this stage, I think Trapeze Artist will still go around in the Theo Marks.’’
Trapeze Artist, the early favourite at $4.50 for The Everest, is also at the top of Ladbrokes Fixed Odds betting at $2.80 for the Theo Marks.
Ryan said Trapeze Artist had been doing everything right in preparation for his scheduled return to racing tomorrow.
“The horse looks very well, he’s thickened and is stronger again,’’ Ryan said.
“When Tye (Angland) rode him in a trial he said the horse feels sensational.’’
Trapeze Artist is first-up and burdened with 61kg but Ryan is confident the fouryear-old is ready to run a competitive race against the likes of D’Argento, Home Of The Brave and Siege Of Quebec.
“I’m expecting a solid run,’’ Ryan said. “If he does everything right and finishes in the top three I’d be very happy.’’
Ryan also has Legend Of Condor in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) and Tango Rain in the Zyrtec Spring Sprint (1100m) with Brett Prebble as rider.
“They have both drawn wide and I will have a talk with Legend Of Condor’s owners about whether we run tomorrow or wait for the Heritage Stakes next week,’’ Ryan said.
“Tango Rain will run because there is nothing else around for him. We will need a Brett Prebble special from out there (barrier 16).’’
Ryan also has handy mare Magic Alibi, winner of the Gai Waterhouse Classic at Ipswich over the winter carnival, resuming in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m).