Unbeaten colt Lofty Strike set to spell after controversial Blue Diamond scratching

Blue Diamond scratching Lofty Strike is likely to head for a spell before trainer Julius Sandhu prepares the blueblood colt for a crack at Group 1 riches in the spring.

Lofty Strike will spell before returning for a crack at the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington in November. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images.

A trip to the spelling paddock is likely for race eve Blue Diamond scratching Lofty Strike.

Lofty Strike was one of the top fancies in Blue Diamond betting before Racing Victoria vets ruled the colt out of the event less than 30 hours before the $1.5m contest.

The impeccably-bred Lofty Strike had impressed in his two wins but Cranbourne trainer Julius Sandhu has decided to end the youngster’s season rather than press on to Sydney.

“The best option, if I’m putting the horse first instead of proving a point, is to tip him out,” Sandhu said.

“I’m 99.9 percent sure I’ll do that.

“He’s done nothing wrong and I’ll put him first like I always do.

“He can have a holiday and we’ll live to fight another day.”

Julius Sandhu will take a cautious approach with valuable colt Lofty Strike after the two-year-old’s scratching from the Blue Diamond Stakes. Picture: Getty Images.

Lofty Strike is a son of Snitzel out of the Golden Slipper winner Overreach, which would make the colt attractive to breeders with his current record of two wins from as many outings.

Lofty Strike won the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude at Caulfield on February 12. But Sandhu has a another Group 1 goal for the exciting sprinter as a spring three-year-old.

“I’ll give him a break, give him a good couple of months off and bring him back and train him for something like the Coolmore as a three-year-old,” Sandhu said.

“I’ve got to look after him. He’s the priority.”

Originally published as Unbeaten colt Lofty Strike set to spell after controversial Blue Diamond scratching