Tangled out but stable still strong

TRAINER Chris Waller may still have five runners in the Group 1 Queensland Derby despite the scratching of Tangled.

Waller’s Gold Coast stable manager Paul Shailer (pictured) said Tangled was found to be lame after trackwork at Aquis Park and was scratched yesterday morning.

Tangled, rated a $13 chance by Ladbrokes, would have been lining up for his fourth Derby this season after finishing 11th in the Victoria Derby, third in the Australian Derby and 14th in the South Australian Derby.

Waller has Queensland Oaks winner Youngstar, Almighty Crown, Augustus, and Merovee in the field and Ombudsman is next in line as the original second emergency.

The champion trainer sprung a surprise by accepting with Youngstar in the Queensland Derby but he is seemingly bullish about her chances if the effects of her outside barrier can be overcome.

“Bad barrier, that’s disappointing (but) Kerrin (McEvoy) is suggesting it’s not too bad a gate,” he said.

“She’s worked well through the week. Her gallop on Tuesday was very impressive. She’s a very good horse.”