Setback for star trotter

Team Alford will await the findings of a vet’s check before determining what course of action to take with star trotter Wobelee (Down Under Muscles).

Regular harness racing driver Chris Alford told thetrots.com.au that his multiple Group 1 winner pulled up lame following a third placing in Saturday night’s Aldebaran Park Lenin Trotters Free For All and feared a problem with a back suspensory might be the cause.

Wobelee settled back in the field from his barrier seven draw on Saturday night and loomed up to leaders Ultimate Stride and Majestuoso approaching the home straight, but could only manage third behind winner Sundons Courage.

The gelding was a champion two-year-old during 2017 when he won four races at Group 1 level, including the Redwood Classic and Vicbred Super Series and Breeders Crown finals. He’s only won one elite level feature since, but has remained a consistent performer at the highest level.

The Alison Alford-trained seven-year-old was runner-up to Majestuoso in this year’s Great Southern Star Final and boasts a career record of 24 wins from 65 starts for more than $500,000 in prizemoney.

WOBOLEE REPLAY

For complete Melton race results, click here.

by Tim O’Connor, for HRV