Weatherly is set to make his long-awaited return to racing in the Razor Sharp Handicap
In a short career clouded by setbacks Weatherly has already ignited the hype associated with a colt which has Group One potential.
Weatherly is set to make his long-awaited return to racing in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
“He’s a first-class horse. He’s a top-ender there’s no doubt about that,” Messara said.
Weatherly showed a glimpse of his potential with a powerful victory in the Listed Talindert Stakes at Flemington in February, a race he was entered in after a mucus build-up scuttled his Blue Diamond Stakes tilt.
The colt was on his way towards the Golden Rose after trialling in July but was found to be suffering an entrapped epiglottis, a respiratory condition which required minor surgery.
All was in place for a return after winning trials in October and early November, but this time a virus reapplied the brakes.
“Every time he’s been ready to race we’ve had the setback so it’s cost him a fair bit,” Messara said.
As he prepares to return after more than nine months out of racing, Messara naturally has some reservations about Weatherly’s winning chances.
“He might be a little bit ring-rusty and need a good hit-out but nonetheless I’m happy enough going into it,” Messara said.
Luck will play its part from barrier one with Messara hoping jockey Tommy Berry can get the breaks at the right time.
If Weatherly can put his talent on full display Messara will consider a trip to New Zealand for the Group One Telegraph Stakes at Trentham in January.
Messara trained Weatherly’s sire Beneteau who was Group One-placed before retiring to Arrowfield Stud where he died in early 2013.
“This bloke would be quicker than Beneteau in a pure sprinting sense,” Messara said.
“I don’t think I’ve had many horses faster than this horse.”
With a talented colt comes pressure to win Group One races and enhance a horse’s stud value, but Messara is only concerned with the factors he can control.
“It’s the same pressure with every horse but some of them make it easy and other make it difficult,” he said.
“When they’ve got that talent you’ve got to be willing to do whatever is necessary to extract the best result.”
