A G's White Socks out of New Zealand Cup

By Michael Guerin

A G’s White Socks may be down but he is not all together out.

The popular Canterbury pacer became the first major withdrawal from this season’s IRT New Zealand Cup after a minor leg issue was found yesterday.

“It is not a big deal and to look at him you wouldn’t notice anything as he isn’t taking an unsound step,” said stable rep Ben Hope.

“But we had him scanned and he has a small bit of damage on a front leg tendon so he is definitely out of the Cup and Cup week.

“But we are hoping he can come back toward the end of the year.”

The loss of A G’s White Socks aside the Cup is holding up very well and there could be genuine competition for the last 3-4 spots but the biggest question mark hangs over Amazing Dream, a final decision on her not being made until after the Victoria Cup on Saturday week.

The Hopes have Midnight Dash in against Sundees Son at Addington on Friday night and Hope expects him to improve on his first-up third.

“He has never been quite as good fresh up so he should be fitter tomorrow. But I am not saying he can beat Sundees Son.”

The stable’s trotting star Muscle Mountain will resume at the trials next Wednesday as he prepares for the Canterbury Park Trotting Cup on October 15.