Snitzkraft scratched from Roman Consul

Snitzkraft’s Sydney debut has been called off because of illness on the eve of the Group Two Roman Consul Stakes at Randwick.

The Brisbane colt was to use Saturday’s 1200m-race as a lead-in to the Group Three Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield on October 18.

Patricia Gesler, who trains in partnership with veteran Kelso Wood, said the colt was not eating as normal and had a high temperature on Friday.

“They say travel sickness can take a few days to rear its ugly head and that’s what’s happened,” Gesler said.

“Melbourne isn’t out of the question, depending on his recovery. He’s not severe but he’s bad enough and we don’t want to risk the horse.”

“We just have to keep an eye on him over the next few days.”

Godolphin colt Viridine remains the $3 favourite to extend his unbeaten streak to four.

Trainer James Cummings gave Viridine an extended break after he won the Listed Heritage Stakes (1100m) at Randwick on September 16.

“He’s had an extra week to get over his strong first-up win where he wanted to overdo it a bit,” Cummings said.

“Since his last win he’s gone ahead again. The only thing I could be a bit doubtful of is that he worked too well in the lead-up to this race.”

Godolphin also has Beau Geste ($6.50) in the seven-horse field with the colt passing a Racing NSW veterinary inspection after he displayed a non-painful haematoma on Monday.

“He’s been a slow-maturing sprinting type who seems to be coming into his own now,” he said.

“He’s filling out the deeper we get into the spring and I feel he’s going ahead enough to be competitive.”

Beau Geste has two wins from three starts and is stepping up from a a win in a Benchmark 74 Handicap (1300m) at Rosehill a fortnight ago.

“The drop back to the 1200 metres should suit and his fitness levels are very good,” Cummings said.