Well Sprung makes his racetrack return in the Kensington Stakes
Well Sprung makes his racetrack return at Flemington after an operation his co-trainer had been calling for from the early stages of his career.
The four-year-old was gelded following his spring campaign during in which he showed glimpses of his full potential but at other times failing to put in.
Well Sprung lines up in the Listed Kensington Stakes (1000m) on Saturday with Lyn Tolson saying it’s time for him to now be a racehorse.
“It took a bit convincing to geld him so now it’s all on me,” Tolson said.
Well Sprung won the Listed McKenzie Stakes at Moonee Valley at his second start with his owners looking forward to a successful spring with a potential stallion.
But there was a constant theme running through post-race reports from jockeys that the racing career of Well Sprung would not reach the highest level unless he was gelded.
“We had the likes of Ben Melham, Damian Lane, Damien Oliver, Michael Walker and Chris Symons all saying he needed to be gelded,” Tolson said.
“He did get through to his four-year-old year before being gelded so he did have his chance as a colt and a stallion.”
Tolson said Well Sprung wasn’t unruly, it was his mind that wandered and he wouldn’t concentrate on race day.
She has noticed a difference in Well Sprung’s attitude on the track and also his action since the operation.
“He’s come in a little bit sharper now,” Tolson said.
“He’s doing what you want him to do and is listening to the rider now.
“His action is sharper behind now as before he may have been pinching himself.
“He had a nice trial at Sandown recently and he pulled up good in his breathing and his condition, so now the pressure is on the trainer.”
Well Sprung was also entered for Friday night’s Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley but connections decided to tackle the handicap conditions on Saturday rather than the Group Two weight-for-age race.
Tolson wants to see how Well Sprung performs on Saturday before committing to any plans.
“There’s some races we’re looking at and there’s races in Adelaide that are earmarked but we want to see what he does first-up,” Tolson said.
“He’s a racehorse now so we’ve got to find the best options.”
