Class 3-year-old Jokers Wild has developed a leg problem and is out of Saturday's fantastic $200,000 Telegraph Handicap clash.
Jokers Wild was to face Darci Brahma, Gee I Jane and Seachange in what was considered, and still is, possibly the best race of the season.
Regular rider MichaelColeman was not entirely happy with the action of Jokers Wild when he galloped him at Matamata on Saturday morning.
Stable veterinarian Jim Marks x-rayed the colt's legs and diagnosed a ricked joint.
Marks has told the stable there is no structural damage, but said there had to be immediate rest, the best possible scenario being a week off working.
It means the $100,000 Waikato Draught Sprint at Te Rapa next month is not yet off the possibles list.
Jokers Wild has not raced since finishing second to Magic Cape in the $300,000 2000 Guineas at Riccarton in November then being beaten late into second behind Porotene Gem on an unsuitable wet track in the $200,000 Levin Classic at Otaki a couple of weeks later.
"It doesn't yet mean the autumn is out for the horse," said stable manager Paul Moroney.
The TAB reacted quickly to the news yesterday morning, shortening favourite Darci Brahma in from $5 to $3 and Gee I Jane from $6 to $4.50.
Jokers Wild had been third favourite at $7.
Seachange has shortened in fractionally to $6.50 third favourite for the group one sprint.
Last week at the Paeroa barrier trials Darci Brahma looked impressive, sprinting quickly in the home straight to comfortably beat Seachange in their heat.
The most significant Telegraph news is the riding switch on Gee I Jane from Grant Cooksley to Lisa Cropp.
So You and Willy Smith remain joint favourites for the Wellington Cup on Saturday week and Wahid is still a solid $5 favourite for the group one Thorndon Mile the same day.
