Sydney Cup contender Campaldino must pass a fitness examination to secure his spot in the two-mile highlight at Randwick, following a standard veterinary check that uncovered cardiac arrhythmia.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott noted there were no indications of the problem after his runner-up finish in Saturday’s Chairman’s Handicap (2600m), and the horse had no prior record of the condition.
“He presented with cardiac arrhythmia in the tests this morning,” Bott said.
“He’ll go through the ECG process. He was checked immediately following the race (on Saturday) and all the vital signs, everything was all in order.
“It’s a bit of an unusual case. He’s never had any history. It’s something that has just popped up.
“He hasn’t done any strenuous exercise, but the stewards did their Sydney Cup inspections (on Tuesday) morning and that’s when it was detected.”
Samples of blood have been collected from Campaldino, who is required to gallop before racing stewards on Thursday prior to gaining clearance to compete.
Bott indicated their priority is acting in the horse’s best interest, with Campaldino set to participate in the Sydney Cup (3200m) solely if they are confident he is completely fit.
Should he receive approval, the team anticipates a strong showing from the previous year’s Brisbane Cup (3200m) victor.
“It’s the program and campaign build-up we have used successfully before to win the Cup with Knights Order and The Offer, so he has followed that path and seems to be peaking at the right time,” Bott said.
“It was an excellent run on Saturday. He is proven at the two-miles. Bit of an awkward draw but he’s got tactical speed to offset that.”
Campaldino ($8) drew barrier 14 during Tuesday’s barrier draw, with Tim Clark confirmed to ride.
The market leader Mr Monaco ($5) landed the widest gate in the 16-horse lineup, though he raced wide when taking the Manion Cup (2400m) last time out, while fellow chances River Of Stars and Soul Of Spain secured barriers six and 12.
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