Golden Slipper / Andy Morris / 12 March 2009 / 1 Comments Bet Now

Golden Slipper odds are in limbo pending the outcome of a crucial trial by reigning $5.50 favourite More Joyous at Royal Randwick on Friday.

Just a few seconds after 8.30 a.m. and we will learn if the 'bucking bronco' show put on by More Joyous in the Silver Slipper Stakes was just an aberration or perhaps, as suggested, a case of a 'slipping saddle' causing the filly to throw an equine tantrum of seismic proportions.

While jockey Nash Rawiller showed amazing horsemanship to stay aboard More Joyous during her impressive display he's still managed to lose the seat with champion jockey Darren Beadman now flying in from Hong Kong to ride the filly in the trial for his mate, owner John Singleton. If things go well he'll return to partner her in the Reisling Stakes at Rosehill Gardens on 21 March to secure her place in the 2009 AAMI Golden Slipper on April 4.

Beadman will use a 'race' saddle in the trial - the theory being that Nash Rawiller's wafer thin saddle may have been the cause of the horsy sulkfest on February 28.

The field for the trial is below although it is doubtful Essaouira will appear as she has issues with a heel. In addition Marquardt and No Comment are nominated for the Sweet Embrace Stakes on Saturday which could leave just 4 to run 800 metres on the Kensington track.

Magic Millions Classic winner Phelan Ready (like More Joyous, by More Than Ready - sire of last year's Slipper winner Sebring) will create tremendous interest for his fans eager to have some early interest in Golden Slipper odds. He is way down on the list of qualifiers (prize money won in races such as the sales exclusive Magic Millions not taken into consideration) so a forward effort may just be incentive enough to open the wallet and have a dip at some attractive Golden Slipper odds.

It is certainly a dramatic start to the Golden Slipper Festival and not the first time a horse has had to jump hurdles to reach the great race. Hark back to 2002 when Bel Esprit was made to trial following his 'coltish' antics at the barrier prior to winning the Blue Diamond Stakes. With a stallion 'chain' added he cleared that obstacle and ran in the Slipper to finish 5th behind Calaway Gal.

For those history buffs looking through past Golden Slipper form you'll not find too many winners carrying the suffix (NZ) next to their names as More Joyous (NZ) does. As mentioned she is by More Than Ready out of the Sunday Joy who foaled down in New Zealand while booked to visit Zabeel - hence the NZ attachment. And John Singleton is no stranger to Slipper glory - Clarry Conners provided him one with Belle Du Jour in 2000 and Gai made it a comfortable pair with Ha Ha for him in 2001.