Cash Master Ruled Out Of Queensland Derby Heats

NORTHERN Rivers training ace Robert Cooke knew the news could not get much worse when he rang to take out the nomination of his star youngster Cash Master from next Thursday night's Group 2 Queensland Derby heats at Albion Park.

“He has sprained a wrist and has a slight tear at the top of the monkey muscle,” said Cookie.

“When I rang the grader to pull out the nomination, he said he had just completed the box draw for his race.

“He said ‘do you want to know what box he drew' … but when he said that I knew straight away he'd have the one.”

Cookie was right but Cash Master will be back in his kennel when the Derby heats are run.

And Cookie is the first to admit he had a fabulous chance to win the series.

Cash Master (Aston Dee Bee-Cashpot) has started 14 times for 10 wins and four placings and has won his past three at Albion Park in 29.58, 29.76 and 29.68.

Add to that is the fact he has run a track record at Grafton and also won the QGOLD Emerging Sprinters final at Albion Park.

“The injuries are not that bad, but there is no chance his owner Pat Gainey and I would consider risking the dog,” said Cookie.

He believes Cash Master will be out of action for only three weeks.

“I'd hope he could be ready for the Golden Ticket,” said Cookie.

“We'll see how we go and then the Gold Bullion will be right up his alley.”