Danny Williams will also breathe easy if Tiger By The Tale responds to his latest throat operation by winning a Highway Handicap at his 15th attempt at Rosehill.
The six-year-old returns to racing on Saturday after undergoing a second procedure to clear his airway.
Tiger By The Tale ran in the inaugural Highway Handicap in October, 2015, and his Goulburn trainer has persevered in the series for country horses despite his persistent breathing issues.
He needed his first operation after a planned sale to Hong Kong was thwarted by a failed veterinary inspection.
A buyer was interested after Tiger By The Tale had four starts for Murwillumbah trainer Matthew Dunn in 2014 but he ended up in Williams’ care.
Williams bought a half share in Tiger By The Tale about 18 months ago and purchased the remainder earlier this year.
“It’s been a labour of love,” Williams said.
Tiger By The Tale had his latest breathing-related procedure after finishing fifth behind Clipper in an 1100m-Highway Handicap at Randwick in May.
Williams is hopeful it has been effective and paid credit to Tiger By The Tale after a scope revealed the extent of his problem.
“The last half a dozen starts he was virtually getting zero oxygen under pressure so he’s continued to do a fantastic job during that period,” Williams said.
“His breathing had deteriorated to a point that it virtually had collapsed.”
Williams said Tiger By The Tale, who has finished third in two Highway races, had returned to work in great order.
“He’s come back fantastic. He hasn’t been able to win one but throughout that whole time he’s had restrictions so he’s due for one,” Williams said.
