Fritz's scratching from the Stewards' Handicap at Riccarton in Christchurch was considered by many as one of racing's greatest lost opportunities.
Fritz was in line for a $100,000 bonus if he could win the $40,000 group three race after winning the first two legs of the required treble.
But connections decided to scratch the horse on Saturday because of the wet track conditions despite the day dawning beautifully fine.
The track was officially rated easy but a track inspection by one of the owners may have determined the track was in worse condition.
If the track had been downgraded to soft during the day that would have provided connections the opportunity to withdraw Fritz without the likelihood of penalty.
But with $100,000 on offer, in addition to the winning stake of $25,000, it seemed some caution could be thrown to the wind with a six-year-old gelding who has raced just 18 times.
Coulbeck said it could all work out well in the long run with the $250,000 Railway Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie on January to be Fritz's next major assignment.
Saturday's race was won by the Otago-trained Tooth who was having his first start for nearly seven months which represented a fine feat for his semi-professional trainer Steven Prince.
The favourite Rooney, unbeaten at his only three previous starts, got third by a nose and was easily beaten by Tooth and runner-up Count Five. Tooth scored by 2-3/4 lengths from Count Five.
- NZPA
Racing: Opportunities lost
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