THE return to racing of Tasmanian Oaks winner Iggimacool is likely to be delayed by the state of the Launceston track.
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The filly has been entered for Sunday's open handicap but trainer Bill Ryan said yesterday that she wouldn't start if the races went ahead at Mowbray.
Ryan is hoping the meeting is transferred to the synthetic track at Devonport but, at this stage, that looks unlikely.
Mowbray racecourse manger Murray Pyke is optimistic the track will be fit for racing.
``The weather is helping,'' he said.
``We've been able to roll it and it's come back as good as you would expect at this time of the year.
``I believe the stewards may have a look at it later in the week.''
Ryan said that he would be loathe to run any good horse at Mowbray in its current condition.
``I'm amazed that they are even thinking about backing up there this week,'' he said.
``The track wasn't good last Saturday and will be even worse on Sunday.
``I will accept for the race with Iggimacool and just hope the meeting is moved to Spreyton.''
Iggimacool hasn't raced since winning the Tasmanian Oaks at Mowbray in February and finishing third at Moonee Valley.
Ryan is keen to get her back to the races but his options are limited.
``I picked out Sunday's race a while back because there is nothing else for her,'' the trainer said.
``If we don't start, we have a dilemma.''
Ryan suspects the Mowbray track was the reason for his smart mare Liluka Belle's poor run on Saturday.
``Brendon (McCoull) didn't seem to think so but I don't think there's anything else it could be,'' he said.
``We've had her vetted and there are no problems so we are now waiting on blood tests, which may reveal more.''
Ryan confirmed that connections had knocked back a $180,000 offer for another of his stable stars, Genuine Lad.
The trainer owns a one-third share of the promising stayer who is likely to be set for next season's major Tasmanian cups.