Wolfgang presses on to Blue Diamond Stakes
A gallop at Cranbourne on Monday will determine the future of the autumn campaign of Wolfgang.
The Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy Yeomans-trained two-year-old has been entered for the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
But Yeomans said a decision on whether he starts in that race or is reserved for the Listed Talindert Stakes (1100m) at Flemington the following week will be determined after Monday’s hit-out.
Yeomans said the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 24 remains in their sights despite an inglorious performance in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast last month.
“He’s great and we think he’s thriving, but we’re not sure whether we want to go to the Prelude or the Talindert,” Yeomans said.
“Obviously, the Talindert will be a bit weaker, but we’re not sure how well he handles the straight, so it’s a tricky one.
“The Prelude is obviously going to be very strong, but we’re leaning to probably running in the Prelude and seeing whether he’s up to them.
“He’s had a big prep and if he runs well, we can possibly go on to the Diamond and if he doesn’t run well, it’s time for a spell.”
Yeomans said countless tests had been performed on Wolfgang following his last-place finish at the Gold Coast which followed successive wins at Morphettville and Doomben.
She said Blake Shinn thought Wolfgang had hurt himself during the race, but tests could not find anything serious.
“He was great going into the race,” Yeomans said.
“But his action visibly changed at the 600-metre mark, and he stopped, and we thought something must be horrifically wrong.
“We did blood tests, checked his heart, x-rayed him, did everything, and there were no major abnormalities, just some muscle soreness.
“He did get a leg up in the gates and was vetted at the gates and he was sore the following day, so whether he tweaked something, so that is why we have decided to try again and see where he’s at.
“He’s a valuable colt and hopefully this will decide his future.”
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