Ball Of Muscle Takes Shorts, Wants To Flex In The Everest
Ball Of Muscle was able to flex his muscles under jockey Glyn Schofield when Redzel was unexpectedly pulled out of Gr.2The Shorts at the last moment.
Reigning Everest champion Redzel was found to be suffering muscle soreness in his box on Saturday morning. He will need to be cleared by the vets before he is allowed to race again.
With a clear controlled bout of speed, he skipped clear on the corner before holding off a stirring late challenge from Invincible Star by a half head, with three-quarters of a length to Brave Smash in third place. Hugh Bowman called Brave Smash's performance 'superb'.
This is his second back-to-back victory. He won his last start in The Heath at Caulfield. Trainer Joe Pride said he had not given up hope of Ball Of Muscle securing the final Everest spot.
"He's racing in career best form and he will give a great sight," he said.
Other Everest contender, English had problems after losing a shoe at the gates. "She just blew out late," said her jockey TimClark "A few of the other horses had had a run so she will take a lot of improvement from it.
"It wasn't ideal losing the plate at the gates and she pulled a bit of a foot off as well but getting to The Everest she will be alright."