Toowoomba trainer Richie Stephenson will keep a close watch on the weather but is likely to give Azzaland the green light to make his comeback at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Azzaland is poised to make his long-awaited return following an enforced 14-month injury break in Saturday’s Mt St Michael’s College Handicap (1000m).
The six-year-old underwent surgery to both front fetlocks following his last-start win in a 1000-metre Open Handicap at Eagle Farm in January last year.
It was the 10th win of his 17-start career but came at a cost when the gelding pulled up sore.
“He ran a track record that day but he jarred up after the race and he needed surgery to remove small bone chips in both front legs,” Stephenson said.
“He’s been back in work nine weeks and he won a barrier trial here at Toowoomba on Tuesday.
“It was an easy trial win but we won’t know how he’s going until he races.”
Stephenson isn’t as concerned with Azzaland’s barrier 15 or his big weight of 60 kilograms as he is of a wet track.
“It’s only 1000 metres and the Eagle Farm start isn’t that treacherous if you draw wide,” he said.
“They can win from out there at Eagle Farm.
“I’ve booked Nori Yamada, the young Japanese apprentice who can claim three kilos.
“At this stage I’ll probably start Azzaland but I’m not sure about running him if we get rain and it’s a wet track.”
Stephenson is hoping Azzaland can put himself into contention for the Brisbane winter carnival with a successful comeback.
“If he wins or races well I’ll probably look at the winter with him and a race like the Lightning Handicap,” he said.
“He looks beautiful and is in great order for this.
“He loves racing fresh but not racing for 14 months is always in the back of your mind.”
The Listed Lightning Handicap (1000m) will be run at Eagle Farm on June 11.
Stephenson has been tempted to send Azzaland interstate but hesitates when recalling advice once given to him by the late Jim Griffiths.
“Jim used to say let them come to you and it’s something I’ve never forgotten,” Stephenson said.
Meanwhile, jockey Chris Whiteley was suspended for six weeks over his handling of fourth-placed Helluva Hurry at the Gold Coast on February 17.
Whiteley was charged with not giving Helluva Hurry every chance to attain the best possible finishing position by not shifting out at the 600m.
AAP TURF
