KIWI star Speeding Spur has been cleared to take his spot in tonight's $100,000 Group 1 Grand Prix (2240m) at Melton.
Trainer John Dickie notified Harness Racing Victoria stewards his classy trotter developed some filling in a fetlock during the week and they ordered a veterinary examination yesterday morning (Friday).
He cleared about 11am (Melbourne time) this morning.
An upbeat Dickie said he has moved on from the scare and is adamant Speeding Spur is in better shape than when he ran a close second in the Group 1 Great Southern Star at Melton on February 4.
“It’s great he’s clear to run this week, but the biggest relief is he certainly doesn’t have any serious issue,” Dickie said.
“The swelling was in the same leg he went sore in a year ago, so you immediately worry it might be related.
“We had the leg scanned three times to be sure and the results have come back perfect.
“This issue stemmed back to the Great Southern Star after which he had some bruising to the fetlock. It seemed OK back home, but I think the heat over here caused it to blow up a bit.
“We’ve been treating it with a poultice and ice and he’s responded well.
“He hasn’t missed any work. He’s so fit for this.
“He’s better than he was going into the Great Southern Star because he’s had more racing and more training.
“Take the little hiccup of this week out and he’s absolutely super. I can’t wait for the race.”
Despite concerns this week, Speeding Spur has firmed from $2.60 into $2.60 favourite on the Aussie TAB.
NSW trotter On Thunder Road, who is returning from a minor setback, is $3.50 second elect. The comes star Kiwi mare Sunny Ruby at $3.80.
Adam Hamiton