Leading trainer Jason Thompson’s hopes of a third Group 1 Sale Cup have been dashed with the scratching of Roper River Jake.

The fastest qualifier in the series (36.79sec) is out of tonight’s $75,000-to-the-winner event following a free galloping incident on Thompson’s property.

“He’s torn the stopper pads and main pads on both forelegs,” Thompson said.

“I’m extremely disappointed as he’s been absolutely flying… But it could have been worse.”

Thompson estimates the injuries will take 3-4 weeks to heal, so fortunately he won’t be off the racing scene for too long.

“It’s a real blow… Group 1 events are hard to get into, and I really think he would have been a big chance,” Thompson said.

Roper River Jake’s scratching has precipitated a reshuffle at the top of the TAB Fixed Odds market for the event, with punters’ main elects now being Wagering War ($3.00F) and Tauwitchere ($3.30).

Front Page News will jump from box seven in the Group 1 Gold FM Sale Cup.

Pawnote: Thompson has previously won the G1 Sale Cup with Awesome Assassin (1998) and Hercules (2005).