Having started the preparation with conservative expectations, connections of Amor Victorious are satisfied he can recapture his best form as he continues his comeback from knee issues.
The winner of the Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) last year, Amor Victorious underwent surgery to both knees following his midfield effort in the 2024 Five Diamonds (1800m).
Trainer Bjorn Baker’s racing manager, Luke Hilton, admitted they started the campaign with a softly, softly approach but the horse’s work and trials indicated the procedures had been successful.
“It’s just something we’ve got to manage,” Hilton said.
“We were guarded when he came back as to how we’d go with him. But he’s been good, and his trials have been good.
“We’d like a little bit of rain to make it softer and a bit easier on him, but he’s really well.”
The six-year-old will join stablemate Sandpaper in the $1 million Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange on Saturday after resuming with a solid eighth to Jimmysstar in the Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) earlier this month.
Amor Victorious has been given another trial since and while tackling a mile second-up will present a challenge, connections are keen to see a competitive showing as they seek to push on to next month’s The Ingham (1600m) at Randwick.
“He’s had plenty of work,” Hilton said.
“Second-up to the mile is going to be a bit of an issue. He will definitely take even more benefit out of the run.
“But he’s got a lovely gate (barrier one), and he’ll be able to put himself right there and will be in it for a long way.”
Sandpaper arrives at the race third-up and has been gradually working towards peak fitness.
He has a midfield draw in 11 but Hilton says he can improve after being trapped wide last start when seventh in the Ladies’ Day Cup (1500m) at Hawkesbury.
“He went forward and toughed it out really well. It was only the last hundred he got tired,” he said.
“He’s ready to peak third-up. Tricky gate, but he’s going well.”
In a market dominated by last year’s Gong winner Gringotts at $2.10, Amor Victorious is on the fourth line of betting at $10 with Sandpaper a $31 chance.
