The reason behind scratching of Maher/Eustace $1.10 hot-pot

Co-trainers David Eustace and Ciaron Maher Image: Getty

Impressive debut winner Spywire will not run at Eagle Farm on Saturday as planned, with the $1.10 pop being scratched on Friday from the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes (1000m).

The debut Rosehill winner in November was at the proverbial ‘unbackable odds’ for Saturday’s hit-out in Brisbane, drawing just six rivals for the stakes contest.

However, each of Spywire along with Boomroux and Invading Jilly have been withdrawn to leave it a four-horse race (as it stands) ahead of scratching time on Saturday.

Co-trainer David Eustace confirmed to SEN that it was a minor issue that has held back Spywire, pointing to a bad blood picture that saw them bypass the race.

“Unfortunately his blood wasn’t 100 per cent – only marginally, but enough not to run,” Eustace said.

“He could even be right for Wyong next week.”

Spywire is one of 14 noms for the $200,000 Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1100m) to be run on Wednesday, and is the equal second-favourite (at $6) for January’s $3m Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on the Gold Coast.

There’s an old adage in racing that you never dodge a race for one horse, and the scratching of Spywire – who was a lay-down misere according to the market – has now thrown the $200,000 Phelan Ready right open.

It is the gain of ‘Mr Mishani’ – owner Mike Crooks – as the man that races the seemingly endless amount of 2YOs in Brisbane left with half the field racing for the winner’s cheque of $116,000.

READ: Mishani owner whacks critics

Even running last will earn connections $9750 – which is a handy fallback, especially when you consider two of the runners in the race cost less than that as yearlings – Butwedid ($8000) and Mishani Hercules ($4000).