Sharp ‘N' Smart's aspirations for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) this year have been dashed due to a viral infection, as confirmed by a veterinary examination.
The reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year, trained by Graeme and Debbie Rogerson, displayed an unusual performance in the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Hastings, finishing last.
A subsequent blood test revealed the underlying viral blood disorder.
“He has got a viral blood disorder,” said co-trainer Graeme Rogerson.
“His work was enormous last Tuesday and whether it was the (heavy) track and everything all added up, but he was fully vetted yesterday which revealed a viral infection.
“He hasn't got a bacterial infection, he has a viral one, so we are treating him.”
As a result, Sharp ‘N' Smart will be sidelined for the remainder of the spring, which means he will miss key targets including the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m), Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m), and Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m).
Rogerson remains hopeful about a potential trip to Hong Kong in December, having already inoculated the horse.
However, he acknowledged that alternative plans for the autumn, possibly leading up to the Queen Elizabeth (Group 1, 2000m) in April, may come into play if the Hong Kong option doesn't materialize.
In contrast, Rogerson expressed satisfaction with stablemate Solidify's second-place finish in the Group 2 Hawke's Bay Guineas (1400m) and revealed plans to aim for the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton next month.
“I am very happy with him,” said Rogerson.
“I think he is a Derby horse in the making.”