3 minute read
A race day morning veterinary inspection has cleared English champ Addeybb to run in the $700,000 Ranvet Stakes ahead of his much-anticipated return clash with Verry Elleegant in the 2000m Group 1 event at Rosehill Gardens.
Addeybb, trained by William Haggas, was found to be 1/5 lame in the near foreleg with a "mildly increased digital pulse in the near fore foot" at trackwork late in the week.
The stable reported Addeybb's mild lameness was caused when the gelding was plated in readiness for the Ranvet Stakes.
It is understood Addeybb had "displayed similar tendencies" after being plated previously and the Haggas stable always remained confident he would be right to race in the Ranvet.
However, Addeybb had to pass a veterinary inspection Saturday morning by Racing NSW's Dr Toby Koenig before he was cleared to take his place in the field.
With the news of Addeybb's fitness issues, he has eased slightly in Ranvet betting but retains favouritism at $2.20 with Verry Elleegant firming to $2.70 with TAB.com.au.
Addeybb and Verry Ellegant had a memorable duel for the Ranvet Stakes last year with the English raider defeating the mare by a half-length.
Form guru Gary Crispe said there is nothing between the two outstanding gallopers but Verry Elleegant's fitness edge just might give the mare a decisive edge this weekend.
"Addeybb is rated 129 by Timeform following his success in the Champion Stakes and is one of the best horses in the world," Crispe said.
"Our own star Verry Elleegant is rated 123 but after her mares' allowance, there is only two pounds between them and with her fitness edge, it is sure to be a cracking contest.
"Having already met twice, Addeybb leads the ledger 2-0 with his narrow Ranvet win before he put three lengths on the mare in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
"So, if Verry Elleegant is to beat him, then the Ranvet appears her chance. Although only a narrow winner of the Chipping Norton Stakes, she again displayed her fighting qualities lifting late to deny Colette in the shadows of the post.
"Verry Elleegant rated 118 last start so she has room to move on that figure and has won four of five attempts third-up from a spell.
"There is no question she will need to be on her game to deny Addeybb, however so will he if she runs up to her peak rating of 123."
Crispe said the additions of Golden Eagle winner Colette and Cox Plate hero Sir Dragonet adds depth to the Ranvet field.
"Colette disappointed last start in the Sky High Stakes but should improve sharply getting back onto a wet track," Crispe said.
"Remember, she already has a win over Verry Elleegant this preparation.
"Sir Dragonet gets his preferred ground and looks much better suited getting out to 2000m. He has placed in five of six attempts over this distance range and expect to see a different horse to the one we have seen so far this autumn."
Online article taken from the racenet.
