Egg Tart still on track for Epsom

The Chris Waller stable is confident Egg Tart will take her place in the Group One Epsom Handicap at Randwick despite being troubled by an eye irritation.

The dual Group One winner failed an examination by Racing NSW veterinarian Craig Suann on Tuesday, shortly before the four-year-old drew barrier one for Saturday’s $1 million feature.

After the 14-horse field was declared Egg Tart was the TAB’s $4.80 second favourite behind the Pat Webster-trained Happy Clapper ($3.80) but she has eased slightly to $5.

Egg Tart will undergo another inspection on Wednesday.

Waller’s racing manager Charlie Duckworth had no doubt Egg Tart would be fit to line up.

“I’d be amazed if Craig Suann found a reason for her not to compete,” Duckworth said.

“We’re unsure how it actually happened, but it’s very similar to a horse being hit in the eye by a clod of mud.

“It’s not like she’s got some sort of rare fungal disease or anything. It’s just a minor setback.

“She hasn’t missed any work. She’s as good and ready as we’ll ever have her.”

The mare’s jockey Kerrin McEvoy was pleased with the draw but appreciated Egg Tart faced a tough challenge, despite a record highlighted by victories in the Queensland Oaks and Schweppes Oaks in her last preparation.

“She’s playing against the big boys and girls,” he said.

“She was pretty dominant as a three-year-old filly but she has to bring her A-game on Saturday.”