Racing: Opie Bosson to miss key races

Opie Bosson and Probabeel take out the Karaka Million 2yo on Saturday. Photo / Trish Dunell

Some of New Zealand's best horses can be looking for a new pilot for their next big assignment.

Because while Opie Bosson ruled on the track in the Karaka Million he paid for it in the JCA room.

Bosson pleaded guilty to tightening two rivals at the 900m mark on his way to victory in the Million and was suspended until up to and including February 14.

That means he misses, most importantly, Te Rapa's biggest day of the year on February 9 and with it the rides on Danzdanzdance (Herbie Dyke Stakes), Melody Belle (BTC Sprint) and NZ Derby favourite Cutadeel if he goes to the Waikato Guineas that day.

One of those misses has been complicated further by the fact Shafiq Rusof, who rode Melody Belle for most of this season, has returned home to Singapore for personal reasons.

Te Akau has not committed to a new rider for her while co-trainer Chris Gibbs is also biding his time with Danzdanzdance, who Bosson rode to win the Zabeel at Ellerslie last start.

"I am sure the phone will be ringing with a few who are keen to ride her.

"But we don't have to make a decision just yet."

Te Rapa is also likely to be without Leith Innes as his appeal against a five-week suspension was denied at a hearing at Pukekohe on Friday.