The season is over for Opononis Bliss.
A debut winner at Albion Park in 1:57.9 on April 4 has since undergone an operation owing to sequestrum.
The Mr Feelgood – Opononi Sunset filly has battled soundness issues ever since but a series of x-rays recently has revealed the problem rests in the near side front leg.
Sequestrum is a piece of dead bone tissue formed within a diseased or injured bone, typically in chronic osteomyelitis.
Prepared by leading trainer Chantal Turpin, the filly was being readied for the Gr.1 $100,000 QBRED Triad Fillies Final at Albion Park on July 15.
But now the filly will be recuperating following surgery this week.
“She came through the race in good style and we just backed off but we noticed she was a little ginger when we brought her back in, it didn’t improve and we had her checked over at the Queensland University at Gatton and this is the end result which is disappointing.” Turpin said.
The operation has been hailed a success but connections will give her plenty of recovery time meaning she won’t race again this term.
The two-year-old fillies division boasts strong depth with the likes of Fame Assured, Aqua Miss, Ark Teamo, Red Charmer, Well Disguised, Datsgood and the Sydney trained Arts Treasure all displaying strong ability.
Meanwhile, stable star Mattgregor is ready for his challenge this weekend when he tackles the Gr.2 $75,000 4 & 5yo Championship this Saturday night at TABCORP Park, Melton.
The Rob Roy Mattgregor gelding was beaten but far from disgraced last Sunday at Albion Park when finishing second behind in-form mare Summertime Lizzie in a time of 1:51.9.
Mattgregor sat without cover.
“He’s come through the race really well and he’s trained at a good level this week so he’s ready to go, he’s booked to fly south on Thursday night,” Turpin said.
“We know he’s good enough and he’s got a handy draw so hopefully he won’t be too far from the action, we’re looking at coming home via Sydney with a possible race or two at Menangle before the winter carnival.”
Mattgregor will start from gate four in the 2240m feature event and Pete McMullen will take the drive.
