Star Stayer Icy Eyes Sidelined With Injury

THE Queensland Golden Greys Summer Carnival has been robbed of one of its major draw cards with star stayer Icy Eyes sidelined with injury.

Trainers Mick and Selena Zammit had nominated the 15-time winner for Wednesday's heats of the Group 1 Golden Sands (600m) at Albion Park but withdrew the entry late on Friday.

"She dropped a back muscle in a free gallop on Friday which was her last hitout going into the heats," Mick Zammit said.

"It's gone from the bottom up but she's done a good job of it. It's disappointing but that's the game we are in. It just makes you appreciate the good moments all that much more."

Winner at 15 of her 26 career starts, Icy Eyes – a daughter of Flying Fired Up and Agame – established herself as one of the country's most exciting staying prospects with a string of exhilarating performances in recent months.

At her most recent outing at Albion Park on December 14, she recorded a blinding 41.50 for the 710 metre journey, positioning herself perfectly for an assault on the Queensland Summer Carnival, headlined by the Group 1 Gold Cup (710m) in late January.

"I think the trip to Melbourne really brought her along," Zammit added.

"She really only went as a travelling companion for Jay Is Jay and really exceeded our expectations. Since she's been home she'd gone to another level and was just hitting her prime.

"The best thing about her is that she can do it at both ends."

Set for an extended stint on the sidelines, Zammit has declared every effort will be made to return her to the track.

"But we're not kidding ourselves – if she loses too much we won't push on," he added.

"It'll be a good three to four months and if she was to come on season in that time then (owner) Peter (McBlane) will breed with her."

While Icy Eyes is set for a lengthy injury stint, Zammit has reported that his top sprinter All Natural will have his first trial back next week after going amiss in the lead up to the Group 1 Ipswich Cup Final in October.

"If things go to plan his target is the Gold Bullion."