Second chance beckons for local stars in The Wave

By Glenn Davis

Local rivals Star Of Michelin and Ballistic Boy will get an unexpected rematch in The TAB Wave at the Gold Coast on Saturday after missing out on a clash in last week’s Magic Millions Shoot Out.

Both shock withdrawals from the 2206-metre Shoot Out at Eagle Farm, leaving their hopes of running in the $1 million Magic Millions Subzero next week in serious doubt.

However, they will get another chance for a wildcard entry if successful in the 1800-metre The Wave, which was won by the Tony Gollan-trained A Man To Match in its inaugural year last year.

The Kendrick-trained Star Of Michelin was scratched from the Magic Millions Shoot Out on race morning with a blood disorder.

“His blood count wasn’t quite right so we had to treat him which meant he couldn’t run,” Kendrick said.

“He seems to be over it now and he’s worked well this week.

“This is weight-for-age and is a lot harder race than last week.

“It’s not ideal being a weight-for-age race as he would be better off under handicap conditions.”

Trainer Chris Anderson believed Ballistic Boy dodged a bullet when he was scratched at the barrier after getting his head caught up in the barrier stall.

Anderson, who has an ambition to send Ballistic Boy to Melbourne next spring, will also saddle up Profit in the TAB Wave.

“I might look at Melbourne with Ballistic Boy, I think he’d be a terrific horse in Melbourne,” Anderson told Radio TAB.

Ballistic Boy passed a barrier test on Tuesday after his shock scratching from the Shoot Out but Anderson is unsure of the gelding’s next assignment if he wins.

“He got his head caught in the stall,” he said.

“It was out of left field but he can be a hot horse being by Smart Missile who was scratched at the barrier in a Golden Slipper.”

“Luckily he came away with no issues and dodged a bullet and my vet couldn’t find anything wrong with him later.

“Where we go after Saturday, I’m not sure but there’s an 1800 metres race on Magic Millions day but it’s worth a fraction of the Subzero.

“But it’s hard to go from a 1600-metre to 2400 metres.”

Anderson also expects a strong showing from Profit who was placed in his first two starts this campaign before a last start sixth to The Harrovian at Eagle Farm on Boxing Day.

“He wasn’t beaten far but he’s the type of horse which needs the right tempo in his races which he didn’t get last start,” he said.