Angel’s wings clipped

Miracle Mile placegetter Arms Of An Angel will miss next month’s Harness Racing Jewels in New Zealand after finishing last in a trial at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday afternoon. 

The flying mare took up her customary role as pacemaker but was headed soon after turning into the straight.  Recent Bulli Cup winner Spare Me Days won the trial in 1:53.0 with Arms Of An Angel recording a personal mile rate of 1:54.4.

Trainer Shane Tritton, currently in Hawaii preparing to marry fiancé Lauren Panella, spoke with part owner Zac Cornell soon after the trial and the decision to withdraw the mare from the Jewels was announced early on Wednesday morning.  Understandably upset, Cornell believes it is important to look after the mare in the short term to protect her longevity.

“All of the owners are gutted to have to scratch Arms Of An Angel from the Jewels but the horse always comes first,” Cornell said.

“She means the world to us and will be fully vetted on Wednesday afternoon.  Hopefully nothing is seriously wrong and we can get her back on the track sooner rather than later.”

Arms Of An Angel had a high heart rate after Tuesday’s trial and took longer than normal to recover.

“It could be nothing more than a virus but even if that is the case then we can’t risk travelling her to New Zealand in just over a fortnight.”

Since finishing third in the Miracle Mile, Arms Of An Angel has had one start and was beaten as a $1.08 favourite.  The daughter of Elsu galloped in the early stages and was forced to chase the small field.

Greg Hayes