Setback with talented trotter

Trainer Matthew Craven confirmed the scratching of his star squaregaiter on Wednesday, saying the multiple Group 1 winner was struggling to deal with the issue that might have been brewing for some time.

“Her demeanour just says she’s not right,” Craven told thetrots.com.au.

“She’s got through plenty of things, but she’s normally up and about and happy to deal with it. She’s telling me she’s not, so we will wait for another day.”

Pink Galahs was on the third line of betting for the final behind Im Ready Jet (Anton Golino) and Illawong Stardust (Tony Peacock), but is now likely to be given a lengthy spell.

This could mean missing February’s Great Southern Star, where she is currently equal favourite for the series alongside Andy Gath’s star Majestuoso.

Pink Galahs is a five-time Group 1 winner and has collected more than $330,000 in prizemoney from her 18 career triumphs.

By Tim O’Connor for HRV