Out; Local hero Avonnova will miss next week's Gr.1 $200k UBET Blacks A Fake at Albion Park owing to a virus. Photo by Dan Costello
The Brisbane winter carnival has claimed another high profile victim.
The stable of Ian Gurney is the latest to be ruled out.
This means his runners have all been scratched this Saturday night, the second night of the carnival, while triple Queensland Horse of the Year and evergreen pacer Avonnova will not start next week in the feature event, the Gr.1 $200,000 UBET Blacks A Fake - the jewel in the crown for the Sunshine State.
A raft of blood tests have been carried out following some sub-standard efforts from his racing team last weekend confirmed a virus is currently sweeping through his Chambers Flat property.
"It's disappointing and the timing couldn't be worse but there is no point going on with them, I had Nova (Avonnova) checked immediately after his race last week because it was too bad to be true and his white cell count was all out of whack while several others were showing the same signs." Gurney said.
The frustration is obvious for Gurney with his five runners this Saturday night looming as good chances after landing favourable draws in their respective events.
Clarkey, Ideal Scott, Our Hi Jinx, Miss Irish Rose and Mach Alert have all been officially withdrawn.
"While some of my team performed well last week, the bulk of them were well below their best which had me concerned. They're all eating and drinking with no issues but the white cell count is nowhere near where it should be so I won't push them any further.
"Nova will miss next week, there's no point taking on the quality like Lennytheshark and Hectorjayjay when you're off your game so I'll get him back to his normal self before starting him again.
"I've been really happy with his form since coming back from retirement but last week was a real shock to the system, he was under extreme pressure a long way from home and that's not his go."
The leading local contender for next week's feature is classy mare Joys A Babe following her victory in the Listed $25,540 Wondais Mate two weeks ago which guaranteed her a start in the rich event.
The long and deep list of interstate talent appears to have a stranglehold on the Blacks A Fake, a race to be run over the distance of 2680m.
Millionaire pacer Bling It On, Rocker Band and Hughie Green are other high profile casualties of the carnival to date.
