Kurabui back on track after heart problems

[Wandering Eyes]

It was worrying viewing on Ballarat Cup day last year when Kurabui (NZ) (Proisir), who had won four from five leading in, dropped out in the straight and was clearly amiss, beaten 30 lengths behind now Group One winner Lighthouse (Mizzen Mast).

The report post-race was worrying, with Kurabui suffering from atrial fibrillation, her heart beating far beyond normal levels.

“Her heart was going 200 beats per minute,” co-trainer Mick Price said.

Whilst atrial fibrillation isn’t uncommon, Kurabui was a severe case according to Racing Victoria vet Jamie Wearn who explained the nature of the condition after the race.

“Her heart’s not beating in a normal fashion. There are abnormal beats coming from the bottom half of the heart, referred to as ventricular premature contractions,” Wearn said.

Thankfully, Kurabui has recovered fully and is on track to run at Sandown on Wednesday, although Mick Price isn’t expecting her to chalk up another win.

“She’s cleared all that, she’s all ready to go. We’ll ease her back in, there are a couple of things against her. She has drawn the pole, no starts on heavy ground, I think she’ll need the run.”

“Especially if she settles midfield, they run on at Sandown, but they don’t often win, it’ll be bogged down by Race 5 and drawn the inside, it’s not a great recipe,” Price said.

Price also commented on stable star Ayrton (NZ) (Iffraaj), who finished 7th in the Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) on Saturday at Eagle Farm.

“Ayrton’s good, he’s spelling. They ran 1 minute 21 seconds, and he just can’t run that speed. First was Alligator Blood who was back to his best, second was Private Eye. He ran credibly,” Price said.

Price highlighted the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) as a logical target however is toying with the idea of keeping Ayrton at weight-for-age, suggesting his turn of foot would be better suited.

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