Camilleri "Surprised" By Slingshot Snub

TRAINER Rob Camilleri has been forced to adopt an unconventional lead up to Saturday week’s Group 1 Rookie Rebel with Sandown Cup winner Rajasthan.

TRAINER Rob Camilleri has been forced to adopt an unconventional lead up to Saturday week's Group 1 Rookie Rebel with Sandown Cup winner Rajasthan.

The pre box draw favourite for the $75,000 to-the-winner middle distance invitational, Rajasthan will join Bathurst Cup finalists Slingshot Hammer and Shima Breeze on a trip to the NSW-central west circuit this Friday.

"I nominated Rajasthan for a 600 metre race at The Meadows on Wednesday but was told by the GRV graders they were using their discretion and leaving him out," said a disappointed Camilleri.

"There were just seven dogs in the race he was eligible for but instead he was at home. I could have half understood if there was at least a full field.  

"He's a fourth grade at The Meadows on a Wednesday so I thought it was a great opportunity to give him a hit-out – in a race – before the Rookie Rebel.

"He wouldn't have been the first dog to go around at short odds so well graded, I've been on the other end of the stick plenty of times. I don't want to sound like I'm whingeing; it's just disappointing."

Victorious at his past three starts in electrifying fashion, Rajasthan, winner of 31 races and over $320,000 in prize money, is one of the headline attractions on a star-studded Bathurst Cup card this Friday night.

The son of Kinloch Brae tackles a strong field vying for the $5,000 first prize on offer for the Ladbrokes Red Dog event over the 618 metres.

"He's not the best traveler in the world but missing the race on Wednesday forced my hand to look elsewhere," Camilleri explained.

Meanwhile, Camilleri, who along with partner Deb Coleman is enjoying a fantastic run of success, admits to being "surprised" that his warrior chaser Slingshot Hammer didn't gain straight up selection in the Group 1 Temlee (525m).

"Yes it was a surprise – I thought his form stacked up pretty well to earn a start," Camilleri said of his 10-time group race finalist.

"Don't get me wrong, there's some very good dogs there but I'm not sure what more my bloke could have done?

"Maybe I'm biased because he's mine but looking at the field I would have had him in there. Again, I'm not complaining, I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling hard done by, I just think he deserved his shot."

While clearly disappointed, Camilleri is remaining philosophical.

"I don't wish anyone bad luck but a lot can happen in a week and a half and he is first reserve so he still may be there – which he'll deserve if he is," he added.

In speaking with the Recorder on Wednesday, Ashley Baker, Chief Executive Officer of the MGRA, conceded connections on the fringe of selection in each of the three Group 1s had cause to feel disappointed.

"I think that's human nature and if it was myself in that situation I'd feel the same way," said Baker.

"I can't divulge too much information but what I can say is that the selection process for the final two spots for the Temlee was extremely close. The MGRA has a selection committee that then makes a recommendation to the GRV grading department, taking into consideration a number of factors.

"In this instance Slingshot Hammer just missed out but given he is first reserve you can appreciate just how close it was."

At Bathurst on Friday night, Slingshot Hammer will size up his 11th group race final in the $25,000 to-the-winner feature, one of two runners for the Lara conditioner, with Shima Breeze also taking her place following her slashing heat victory last Monday.

   

 

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