Group One winner Laser Hawk takes a big step in his comeback on Friday when he runs in a barrier trial at Randwick.
The Rosehill Guineas winner missed the spring carnival after having knee surgery to remove a bone chip.
The merit of Laser Hawk’s Rosehill Guineas success was enhanced during the spring with the performances of Cox Plate winner Ocean Park who was second in the Rosehill Guineas.
Andrew Baddock, syndicate manager for Eduardo Cojuangco’s Gooree operation, said it was exciting to have the gelding back preparing for the autumn.
“After seeing the form of horses that finished behind him, it’s exciting to have him back” Baddock said.
“He’s very lightly-raced and still untapped but he’s got so much potential.
“Physically he’s thickened up a lot so in hindsight it might not have been a bad thing.”
Laser Hawk is entered for a 1050m trial at Randwick which will be his first public appearance since his third in the Australian Derby (2400m) in April.
The Gai Waterhouse-trained four-year-old was given six months in the paddock to recover after having the chip removed.
“He’s on the comeback and he’s going really well,” Baddock said.
“They are really happy with him at Gai’s.”
Baddock said Laser Hawk would have two barrier trials before his race return next month and the build-up to the weight-for-age features during the Sydney autumn carnival.
“There’s plenty of nice weight-for-age races around for a horse like him,” Baddock said.
“Races like the Ranvet Stakes, the BMW, the Queen Elizabeth. He could be very competitive in those races for sure.
“We want to see him get back happy and sound and all of those races could be targeted.”
Laser Hawk has won four of his six starts and has minor placings in the Randwick Guineas and Australian Derby.
