Federal Morgan Injured In Shock Bundaberg Defeat

HIGH class sprinter Federal Morgan sprained a wrist when hot favourite and last in a heat of the Bundaberg Cup (550m) on Monday.

Starting a red hot $1.25 favourite when coming off the rails draw, he was in trouble early and quickly dropped out to finish almost 20 lengths behind eventual winner, recent Bundaberg Derby winner It's A Rush.

Federal Morgan was vetted after the race and stood down for five days with the injury.

Flying Jet, forced out of the recent Bundaberg Derby final because of a commitment in the Ipswich Auction, heads into the Bundaberg Cup Final next week the likely favourite.

The son of Fernando Bale-Aeroplane Cindy led throughout off the two box to win his heat in a fast 31.24 beating hot favourite Waddling Witch by two lengths with Sir Pantsalot in third.

Owner-trainer Peter O'Reilly was overjoyed with the time and his dog's chances in the final.

“That time was really good,” he said. “I hope he can come up with an inside draw for the final.”

The final box draw will not be conducted until Thursday.

Flying Jet had brilliantly won a heat of the Ipswich Auction early in September and was given permission to scratch from the Bundaberg Derby which came up between Auction heat and final.

Unfortunately, Flying Jet could finish only sixth to Rio Valiente at Ipswich.

He made up for that with a brilliant Cup heat.

“He goes great at Ipswich, really likes Bundy and is getting better and better at Albion Park,” said Peter.

It's A Rush (Fernando Bale-It's A Fling) led throughout to win the first heat in 31.62.

He scored by almost four lengths over Nerve Settler and Inga Leo for trainer Gerard Bowe.

It was his 10th victory in 18 starts and took his prizemoney to $28,000.

He started $5 second favourite behind Federal Morgan.