KEY POINTS:
Baileys Dream is the latest pacing superstar to succumb to injury.
The outstanding pacer will not race again this season after bowing a tendon.
The injury is thought to have been suffered last week and makes Baileys Dream the first major withdrawal from the Auckland Trotting Cup on March 9.
It also means he joins Mainland Banner, Alta Serena, Mi Muchacho, Myron and to a lesser extent Sly Flyin as open class stars who have missed at least part of this season through injury.
Disappointed trainer Steven Reid, however, says the injury could have been a lot worse.
"His prognosis looks quite good," said Reid.
"The latest vet examination says the injury is at the lower end of the scale as far at these things go so we are hopeful.
"But he definitely won't race again this season and even the New Zealand Cup in November could be pushing it."
Reid takes consolation from the fact Baileys Dream is still only a 5-year-old and lightly raced.
"I am never a big fan of those top horses who have an injury like this and have to come back because you always fear it could happen again.
"But he could still have a lot of racing ahead of him."
His withdrawal will tighten slightly the odds for favoured runners when the fixed odds market on the cup opens today.
Pay Me Christian will open the $5.50 favourite ahead of fellow 4-year-old Monkey King at $9 in a very loose market.
Also opening today will be the market for the Woodlands Stud Great Northern Derby.
Australian visitor Lombo Pocket Watch is expected to be a $1.80 favourite for the race.
