Injury robs Gold Ace

Pacing's newest $1 million boy has had his Australian campaign cut short.

But trainer Steven Reid says the crack in his hoof which will rob Gold Ace of the chance of another major win in Perth tonight, is unlikely to be a long-term problem.

Gold Ace is unbeaten this season, winning the A$175,000 ($229,500) Golden Nugget last Friday to show that he is not ready to concede 4-year-old superiority to his arch-rival and New Zealand Cup winner Terror To Love. But Gold Ace opened a quarter crack during that race and will miss tonight's McInerney Classic, returning home to Auckland on Monday.

"I don't think it is going to be a long-term serious thing," said Reid. "But he has done a good job winning two from two here and he doesn't need to damage it racing this week."

Reid believes he can get Gold Ace healthy in time for the Hunter Cup at Melton in early February.

Reid has no qualms about he and his follow owners turning down a $1.3 million offer for Gold Ace from Perth trainer Gary Hall last week. "The bottom line is he has stallion value further down the track," said Reid.

Adding to Gold Ace's future worth is the fact he is by champion stallion Bettors Delight, who is on his way to rewriting the record books in this part of the world.

While Gold Ace is sidelined, a horse Reid knows well looks set to establish a record in tomorrow night's Trueur Memorial in New South Wales.

Reid used to train Washakie, who has gone on to win more than A$1 million in Australia.

He has opened a $1.65 favourite to win the Trueur for a record third time tomorrow night.