A new routine is expected to help central Queensland champion Vandalised bring his best form to the city.
Vandalised will return to Brisbane racing in the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes (1350m) at Doomben on Saturday.
The gelding is unbeaten in his past 11 starts in Rockhampton after running fourth at his first start on his new home track after coming from Victoria two years ago as a maiden winner at Sale.
Vandalised has carried 62kg and 63kg to wins at the central Queensland track in his two starts since a spell.
He drops nine kilos for Saturday’s race in which Brad Stewart will ride him on the limit of 54kg.
Vandalised has had two previous trips to Brisbane, finishing fourth at Eagle Farm in March and midfield in the Tatts Mile in June.
Trainer James McConachy is adamant Vandalised is not just a one-trick pony who can only win at Rockhampton.
“Both times he came to Brisbane he has been at the end of his campaigns. This time we have changed his routine a bit and brought him down earlier,” McConachy said.
“It will also be only his third run back from a spell. He should be peaking now.
McConachy believes Vandalised deserves a chance to win a black type race in Brisbane.
“I would love Brisbane punters to see him at his best.” he said.
“He probably would be better suited at Eagle Farm with the longer straight but we have to run him on Saturday to keep him ticking over.”
McConachy said Vandalised’s mission would be the Sunshine Coast Cup (1400m) on January 26.
Rockhampton will have another interesting runner in the Lough Neagh with former Patinack Farm horse Ferment making his return to Brisbane.
Trainer John Pointon bought Ferment at a Patinack dispersal sale and the gelding has had one run for his new stable when fourth to Vandalised at Rockhampton on November 27.
A metropolitan winner in three states Ferment will also drop nine kilos on the 64kgs he carried last start.
