As a nine-year-old his best days are probably behind him, but Lyall is hopeful of sneaking a few more wins out of the Viscount gelding.
Lyall’s want could come as soon as Saturday with Great Again to make his stable debut in the $125,000 Listed Bolton Sprint (1200m).
Great Again is back at the races and back on his favourite deck after a last-start 14th at Flemington in June and appeared to have an appetite for his work in a sharp warm up trial.
Up ahead controlling the pace, he was in front for the majority of his 950m heat and was only cut down in the shadows of the post by River Rubicon.
Better recognized as a horse breaker, Lyall is having a second go at training after working in the mining industry for a couple of years.
He says getting his hands on a multiple black-type winner from owner Geoff Evans is perfect as he renters the training ranks.
He’s excited by the challenge ahead.
“I have a working relationship with Geoff (Evans) and that’s the connection to Great Again,” Lyall told The Races WA.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity I’ve been given and hopefully it can all go to plan.
“The trial showed me he still has a zest for racing and gives me a bit of confidence.
“The way he ran through the line suggests he still wants to be out there doing it.
“That’s the important part and all the signs have been positive.
“I think he can run a race and it wouldn’t be a major shock if he’s in the finish.”
Great Again won 10 races and was placed as many times in 34 starts for previous trainer, Lindsey Smith, banking a touch over $500,000 in stake earnings.
He won back to back Listed races when previously in Perth, taking out the Belmont Newmarket (1200m)-Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m) double two years ago.
In Melbourne he won the Listed Straight Six (1200m) at Flemington and placed in dual Group 3 races: the Aurie’s Star (1200m) and Bletchingly Stakes (1200m).
Great Again will start from barrier 10 in the Bolton and will be ridden by Joe Azzopardi.
He will relish a rain affected track and being back at winter headquarters.
In 10 attempts at Belmont Park he has never finished outside the first two with eights wins and two placings.
He opened an $11 chance in Tabtouch markets.
