Champion galloper back on warpath

Marsh, who has yet to saddle the former Alwin Tan-trained multiple Group 1 winner in a race for the Ong family, was obviously disappointed, but five months on, was glad he had opted to put him away.

"He's come back in great shape after we backed him off. That break has done him a world of good," said the Kiwi handler.

"We brought him back in work about six weeks ago, and started off with mostly slow uphill work. It's only recently that he's come back on the main training tracks.

"He's started doing pacework and is coming along nicely. He's loving it!"

Condition-wise, Marsh said the O'Reilly five-year-old's extra pounds don't actually reflect a lack of fitness.

"He's always been a big boy, and he's about 30kg up, which is normal as it's been 12 months since he raced," he said.

"But I would say it's not fat. He's just kept growing and it's all good muscular mass."

Marsh said he had not exactly mapped out a path for the 14-time winner (including five at Group 1 level) and $2.8 million stakes earner, but is hoping for a September comeback.

"I haven't quite looked through the programme, but on the way he is progressing, I would say he would be back in September," he said.

"A race like the Jumbo Jet Trophy is an option but it's too early to tell. We'll play it by ear."

The Group 3 Jumbo Jet Trophy is a weight-for-age race over 1400m and will be run on September 4.

Marsh added he had not yet decided who would be War Affair's new rider. Jockey Michael Rodd was the new partner who took over from Alan Munro before the break, but the Australian rider is currently nursing an ankle injury while the jockey's room has also welcomed many new faces in recent months.