Playing God sprinter Nerodio has been spelled and will miss the summer carnival in a disappointing turn of events for trainer Steph Bakranich and his owner-breeders Livio and Renato Divitini.
A LR Beaufine Stakes (1000m) winner at his penultimate start on July 10, Nerodio signed off in the LR Bolton Sprint (1200m) a fortnight later and, at face value, he disappointed when unplaced behind Amasensus (Time For War) as a hot favourite.
“We had him scoped and they discovered a bladder infection,” Bakranich said. “He still ran his heart out and wasn’t beaten by a big margin. He usually comes to hand quickly and galloped fantastic last Saturday morning.
NERODIO / Photo: Western Racepix
“We were looking forward to the Black Heart Bart Stakes this weekend but he wasn’t his usual self on Tuesday. He’s a beautiful-natured horse but was angry and was telling me he’s had enough.
“He’s been in work for most of the year so we will pull the pin. He’s a sound horse and we’ve got his feet right so there’s no reason why he can’t come back for Belmont next year.”
Nerodio (6g Playing God – Black Carat by Lonhro) is lightly-raced for his age winning 9 of his 22 starts for earning over $360,000. He’s the first foal from Black Carat who won at Albury and Benalla when based at Lindsay Park.
Her second foal Ghobella (Blackfriars) is a three-quarter sister to Neridio and she won at Ascot and Belmont last season. Their dam’s most recent foals are a Magnus filly and Maschino colt.
Black Carat is a half-sister to Doyoudare (LR WA Tatt’s Cup) and the dam of Playing Marika (Playing God) who is ready to resume. She has won 8 races and $280,000 for Divitini Racing and will trial next Tuesday ahead of a summer carnival that connections hope will include some black-type targets at Ascot.
Peters Investments unveiled a promising type by Playing God on Monday when Advanced won a Lark Hill trial over 950m. An unraced 3yo with Grant & Alana Williams, he’s a full-brother to Platoon (LR Cyril Flower Quality) and was a $150,000 graduate from the 2020 Perth Magic Millions.
Their dam Oriel (Oratorio) has a 2yo filly by Playing God with Roy Rogers and a yearling colt by Playing God owned by Yarradale Stud.
Darling View Thoroughbreds stands Playing God for $16,500 with I’m All The Talk ($6,600), Patronize ($4,400) and Lucky Street ($3,300). All service fees (inc GST).
