Beast's Career In The Balance

THE racing career of outstanding galloper Beast Unleashed is hanging in the balance after dropping a back muscle in a trial at The Meadows on Wednesday.

THE racing career of outstanding galloper Beast Unleashed is hanging in the balance after dropping a back muscle in a trial at The Meadows on Wednesday.

"I let him go and it went on him after about two strides," said a devastated Peter Lagogiane on Thursday.

"The dog was absolutely flying, he was all set for the Australian Cup heats next week, he's just too fast for his own good. We're all pretty down at the moment as you can understand."

A last start winner of the Group 2 Gosford Gold Cup on New Year's Day, the beautifully bred son of Barcia Bale has won 10 of his 15 career starts, the highlight last year's $150,000 to-the-winner Group 2 Launching Pad success  at Sandown Park.

"He'll see the vet next Tuesday and we'll know more after that but it's not looking good – I've had some experienced eyes have a look already," explained Lagogiane.

"If it can be stitched we might be some chance of fast tracking it but he's too valuable as a stud proposition to take any chances with. It's heartbreaking, the dog is a freak but as I said he's just too quick for his own good – he has one gear, fast."

A son of Barcia Bale and Little Miss Hap, Beast Unleashed holds the track record at Gosford over the 515m at 28.90 and has also posted sizzling times at Wentworth Park (29.82) and Sandown (29.34).

His effort to finish third in a heat of the Group 1 Peter Mosman Classic at Wentworth Park last June was undoubtedly one of the performances of the year, before claiming his semi-final in terrific fashion.

Injury cruelled his chances in the final, sidelined for an extended period thereafter with a leg injury that required months of rehabilitation.

"A lot of breeders have shown interest in him so if that's it for racing I have no doubt he can have an influence at stud," added Lagogiane.

"We'll know more after Tuesday.”

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