Procedure Rules Late Night News Out Of Sandown Cup

TRAINER Caroline Hughes has her eyes firmly fixed on the Queensland winter carnival with star stayer Late Night News after being a notable omission from Thursday night's Group 1 Sandown Cup heats.

The dual group winning stayer, which finished a last start second in The Ladbrokes 715 behind Autumn Storm, has been sidelined momentarily after having his tonsils out last week.

"He's had three bouts of tonsillitis since he started racing so I made the decision to have them out after The 715," Hughes said.

"On the way up to The Gardens (for The 715) I said to Trevor he didn't seem his usual bouncy self but he still ran his race but on the Saturday the tonsils had flared right back up again.

"Having them out means missing the Sandown Cup but it is the best thing for him and when he comes back it's something we won't need to worry about anymore.

"He had the tonsillectomy last week and is already bouncing around at home and feeling great. I'm glad that's behind us now."

While Late Night News will miss the Group 1 Sandown Cup, looming large is a tilt at the lucrative Queensland winter carnival at The Q, with races like the Group 3 State Of Origin Distance, Group 3 Super Stayers Invitational and Group 1 Queensland Cup all on the horizon.

"We'll get the all clear from our vet before ramping his work back up but he shouldn't lose a lot of fitness," Hughes said.

"I've spoken to some respected trainers and they've told me it's usually a good two weeks before you can start working them again after having them out.

"I'm really looking forward to getting him up to The Q, I've heard so many great things.

"What races he's back ready for we'll just have to wait and see and let him tell us.

We need to get a trial into him there as well."