Avantage - Information Update

We wish to update the current status of last season's Champion 2YO, Group 1 Manawatu Sire's Produce Stakes and Karaka Million winner Avantage.

Te Akau is aware of the interest in our filly due to her favouritism for the Group 1 NZ 1000 Guineas at Riccarton.  We can confirm that the daughter of Fastnet Rock has been withdrawn from the event due a muscular issue.

Following her outstanding win in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes at Hastings, Avantage did exhibit some signs that she was not feeling 100%.  Te Akau's specialist veterinarian Dr Douglas Black conducted a thorough examination of the filly and, after discussion with Te Akau principal David Ellis, it was agreed that she undergo a bone scan in order to pinpoint any underlying issues.

"The report of the bone scan has now been received and it identified a muscular issue which will rule her out of the Group 1 NZ 1000 Guineas - we have reported this to the stewards," Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards confirmed.

"While this is a huge disappointment to her owners and our team, as well all her supporters, the good news is that there is nothing more serious. Avantage has today travelled to a speciality equine rehabilitation facility for a five to six week period of paddock rest.  We look forward to her return to the stable and the track in due course," said Richards.

Purchased by David Ellis from the Karaka Premier Sale, Avantage has won six of her seven starts (as well as finishing second in the Group 1 Sistema Stakes) with prize money to date of $806,120.