Victorian sprinter Crimson Vixen has been scratched from Saturday night’s Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg semi-finals.
A strong second behind Pindari Express in last Saturday’s heat after leading until the top turn, Crimson Vixen - who was having her first start at Wentworth Park - was considered a good chance to advance to the $250,000 to the winner final on April 20, after drawing to lead in the semi-final.
But trainer Norm McCullagh had no option but to call and scratch the bitch on Wednesday.
“I’ve had to scratch her today. It’s disappointing and I reckon she was a genuine chance in the semi-final too,” McCullagh said. “She was dehydrated pretty badly when we got her back home on Sunday. She’s lost a bit weight, and I have had her on the drip. She only came off the drip today so we didn’t have any choice but to scratch her.
“There’s not much we can do about it. It’s one of those things. Anyway, she’ll keep, and we’ll be back.”
Crimson Vixen has only just turned two, and Saturday’s heat performance was at only her 13th start. She has won eight of those starts, including the previous five at Ballarat, Warrnambool, Sandown Park and The Meadows (twice), and the man who trained champion stayer Bold Trease, believes she has a very bright future.
The speedy Catch Me Curly who won the recent Richmond Derby, will take Crimson Vixen’s place in the field.
