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William Iron Arm (JC Photos)

The Tony Peter-trained William Iron Arm was a suprise omission from the Gr 1 SA Derby entries.

The Playgate SA syndicate’s racing manager Rob Champion explained that this promising, long-striding son of William Longsword was a rig and the pain from the condition was what had caused him to hang in his last two starts when third in both the Gr 2 TAB Gauteng Guineas and Gr 1 TAB SA Classic,

On veterinary advice the connections opted for surgery rather than running him in the Derby.

The official recovery period for rig surgery is said to be three to four weeks.

Therefore, William Iron Arm should be seen again soon.

Meanwhile, Playgate have opted to put Gr 1 winner Bavarian Beauty in the Gr 1 Empress Club Stakes over 1600m as opposed to the Gr 2 Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks.

Champion said that likely meant another clash with the seemingly invincible Mike de Kock-trained Gimme A Nother, but he pointed out that it was a small field and running was a better option than running away.

Meanwhile, the syndicate’s Gr 2 winner Peach Dacquiri, described as a fragile sort by Rob Champion, has been retired to stud after being eased out of her last start in the Listed Acacia Handicap.

Those are Playgate’s best three horses at present, but Rob confirmed that there are a number of two-year-olds to look forward to.