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Waller-trained colt presents with elevated temperature

Last-start Skyline Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) winner O'President (Fastnet Rock) will not line up in the Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday after he was found to have an elevated temperature on Wednesday. 

"We monitored him for two hours and there were no changes so have therefore treated him with anti-inflammatories and unfortunately he will be withdrawn from the Golden Slipper," trainer Chris Waller said.

"The horse remarkably still ate all of his feed and seems very bright and happy but you can't hide temperatures and no risks will be taken."

The son of Fastnet Rock (Danehill) broke his maiden impressively at Canterbury on January 29 on a heavy track, making O'President one of the few runners proven in what will be rain-affected going at Rosehill on Saturday.

Waller is now likely to pull the plug on O'President's juvenile season to ensure he has the colt in top order for a three-year-old campaign aimed at securing a rich stud deal.

"It is disappointing for my owners and my staff but fortunately we have a talented Group Two-winning colt with a bright future ahead," Waller said.

Waller will now be represented in the Group 1 by last start Pago Pago Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) winner Shaquero (Shalaa) and Home Affairs (I Am Invincible), who landed the Silver Slipper Stakes (Gr 2, 1100m) at Rosehill on February 20.