The ability to replace Flying Artie with a Group I-winning substitute has eased Mick Price's disappointment in the forced withdrawal of the three-year-old from Saturday's Group I Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington.
Flying Artie was found to have mucus in his throat in a scope, which has forced Price to have the classy colt treated with antibiotics and adjust his autumn campaign.
"I wasn't happy and we checked that there was a low-grade lung infection there and there is no risk to be taken on the welfare of these colts or any horse really," Price said.
"We just felt it was the right thing to do by everyone, the
"He can go to the paddock and get his head down on
"It's disappointing but not as disappointing as it would have been to see him run poorly."
However, Price was happy to bring another Group I winner off the bench with Extreme Choice to take his place in the Newmarket Handicap after a fast-finishing third when resuming in the Group I Oakleigh Plate.
Extreme Choice defeated the older sprinters at weight-for-age in the Group I Moir Stakes in the spring. Price said the William Reid Stakes was set to be Extreme Choice's next run but the colt would have no trouble adding the Newmarket Handicap to his program.
"It was my idea to roll with him," Price said.
"The horse is flying and really thriving. It was going to be 27 days between runs if I don't run him and at weight-for-age, they creep up and they are a lot closer to the older horses in March.
"I'm really happy with him and it made sense to run him."
Joao Moreira was originally booked to ride Flying Artie but will be aboard Extreme Choice, who is also part-owned by the China Horse Club, halting Craig Newitt's association with the three-year-old.
