After he had failed to show his usual dash in finishing fifth in the Country Cup at Gloucester Park last Friday week it was discovered that he was sick, suffering from a stomach ailment. His blood count was considerably down.

The veterinary surgeon who has been treating Lively Royce could not believe that the gelding had performed as well as he had in the Country Cup.

Bunbury trainer John Graham is hoping that Lively Royce can quickly throw off the effects of the stomach problem and be able to contest the Nugget final.

Lively Royce was an outstanding three-year-old last season when his nine WA starts produced six wins, a second, a third and a fourth. He also had won impressively at his two starts before his fifth in the Country Cup.

Ken Casellas