Lofty Strike scratched from Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes

[Wandering Eyes]

Lofty Strike is out of the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes. (Reg Ryan/Racing Photos)

Blue Diamond Stakes fancy Lofty Strike has been scratched from Saturday’s Group 1 race at Caulfield.

The announcement came through just prior to 10am on Friday morning from Racing Victoria, with this a major blow to the Julius Sandhu stable and connections of the two-year-old.

The talented colt was an $8 chance with online bookmakers but it was determined by two Racing Victoria vets and one independent vet that the colt is not fit to run.

Having won in soft fashion in the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) for Colts & Geldings, the Snitzel colt was quickly deemed one of the best chances in Saturday’s Group 1.

But Lofty Strike presented with lameness in the right front leg on Thursday morning and ultimately failed to pass an inspection on Friday morning, forcing Racing Victoria to make the call.

If the colt was to gain a start it would have been trainer Julius Sandhu’s first Group 1 starter, while jockey Jamie Mott was also chasing his maiden Group 1 success aboard the undefeated colt.

Lofty Strike was not the only runner required to pass a vets check this morning with Kiki Express from the Mathew Ellerton stable and Sebonack from the Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes yard also needing to present.

Both horses have since been passed fit to start in tomorrow’s race worth $1,500,000, while the Peter Moody-trained Rampant Lion will need to be re-inspected later this afternoon to be passed fit.

The Blue Diamond Stakes is one of three Group 1 racing events being raced at The Heath on Saturday, with the Futurity Stakes and Oakleigh Plate being run on an excellent day of racing at Caulfield.

Racing is set to commence at 12:40pm AEDT on Saturday afternoon from Caulfield, where the Group 3 Zeditave Stakes kicks off a star-studded program.

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