Comeback galloper Honey Toast has surprised even his trainer Ben Currie in the run-up to his return at Doomben.
Honey Toast is topweight in Saturday’s Makers Mark Open Handicap (1350m) which will be his first start in 20 months.
His last start was when he finished fifth in the Group Three Premier’s Cup at Doomben in May 2016.
Leading into that race the gelding had won the 2016 Toowoomba Cup before finishing a credible sixth to Leebaz in the Group Two Hollindale Stakes that year.
After the Premier’s Cup, Honey Toast was struck by injury problems and Currie was forced to send him for a long spell.
“He had had tendon issues and the only way to overcome them is to have a long rest,” Currie said.
“But he has been back in work a while and we have obviously been keeping a close watch on him. Honey Toast has had a couple of jump-outs and is ready to go on Saturday.”
“I know it might sound silly at his first start in 20 months after injury problems. But I reckon he is going as well as ever.
“He has really surprised me and with Jeff Lloyd to ride on Saturday I am expecting him to go well.”
Honey Toast is yet another example of how Currie has an eye for value at southern dispersal sales.
He bought the gelding from a NSW tried horse sale for $15,000.
Honey Toast has now won eight races for Currie who is looking at another Toowoomba Cup in April and then the winter carnival.
“But we will just get over Saturday first and then have a good think about the future,” he said.
Currie, who leads the Queensland premiership, had a mixed day at Ipswich on Wednesday producing Pieridae to win but having to watch as Give Us a Cuddle, the well-backed favourite, stood in the barriers and took no part in the last race.
Stewards declared Give Us A Cuddle was a starter and she must barrier trial before running again.
