Perth sprinter Scales Of Justice only has to please trainer Lindsey Smith in a jump-out to take his place in the Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield.
Scales Of Justice heads to Ballarat on Tuesday for the jump-out with Smith saying the gelding has been working nicely for his return and only needs to tick off the final piece of work to confirm his place in Saturday’s Group Three 1200m Bletchingly Stakes.
“He’ll have a soft jump-out tomorrow and I’ll see how he goes and make a decision from there,” Smith said.
“He’s been good in his work, he had a jump-out about three weeks ago which was good and he’s been fine ever since.
“We’re hoping he’s back to normal, which would be good.”
The winner of nine of his 23 starts, Scales Of Justice has not raced since finishing third at Ascot last November.
Smith campaigned Scales Of Justice in Melbourne during the spring of 2017 with the sprinter running a first-up second to Redkirk Warrior in the Bobbie Lewis Stakes before a midfield finish in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield.
Scales Of Justice returned to Perth for that year’s summer carnival, having two runs, before spending a year on the sidelines.
Smith said Scales Of Justice’s waywardness at Flemington brought on some problems that have restricted his career.
“He hasn’t been the same since his first run over here,” Smith said.
“He was ducking and diving and must have felt it that day. Whatever he did, it’s taken a long time to get him back.
“The riders who have been on him are all happy with how he’s going. I can’t fault him so fingers crossed he gets through tomorrow.”
Scales Of Justice is one of 20 nominations for Melbourne’s final stakes race of the 2018-19 season.
Heading the nominations is Australian Guineas and inaugural All-Star Mile winner Mystic Journey.
The weather will determine whether the filly takes her place on Saturday with trainer Adam Trinder not keen to run her on an overly wet track.
The in-form Ciaron Maher and David Eustace team is the only stable with multiple entries, nominating Cliff’s Edge, Ken’s Dream and Spirit Of Valour.
