Trainer Jason Warren is planning another assault on Sydney’s autumn carnival with his star galloper Bel Sprinter after receiving a positive indication on Tuesday that the horse’s troubles are finally behind him.
Bel Sprinter has endured more than the average quota of physical and mental problems in a career that has delivered six wins and promised many more.
Bel Sprinter winning the United Arab Emirates Stakes at Caulfield - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
“To be honest, he’s been an absolute headache,” Warren said.
“But he’s a very, very good horse.”
Bel Sprinter last raced in the Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington last November, finishing ninth to Mental.
Since then he has undergone minor throat surgery which he demonstrated in a trial on Tuesday to be a success.
“He went super … he’s right on track,” Warren said.
“He’s off to Sydney and Hugh Bowman will ride him in a jumpout up there on Friday week.”
Bel Sprinter will then go directly to the Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill on March 30.
For Warren and his horse the Sydney trip will be something of a return to the scene of one of Bel Sprinter’s various troubles.
A year ago he started favourite in the Galaxy, finishing ninth to Temple Of Boom.
As he had at his previous start, and a number of others, Bel Sprinter spoiled his chances by being slowly away.
Warren feels he has solved Bel Sprinter’s barrier issues as well as the breathing problem that emerged late last year.
“He’s breathing better than ever,” he said.
“In his trial on Tuesday he didn’t make any sound at all.”
Warren has a couple of assignments closer to home to look forward to before going to Sydney, beginning with Friday night’s Moonee Valley meeting where Freereturn represents the stable.
Freereturn has scored four of his 10 wins at the Valley and will be among the better chances in Friday’s Abell Stakes (1200m).
Warren also runs Pronto Pronto in Saturday’s Bendigo Guineas.
