Trish Dunell Photography
Talented four-year-old Sweet Leader is closing in on a return to racing.
His career has been a successful if stop-start one to date, but there is no denying his ability when he is at peak fitness.
The son of O’Reilly underwent wind operations either side of his impressive win in the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) in April at his last appearance, the third success of his five-start career.
“He’s coming up really well and he’s looking good,” said Andrew Scott, who trains in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan. “We might kick him off in the Counties Bowl on November 25.”
Meanwhile, another lightly-tried Group winner has been freshened with Charles Road recently returning to Wexford Stables.
Last season’s Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m) winner failed to race up to expectations in three starts as a four-year-old.
“He didn’t come up as well as we had hoped in the spring and we found last year that his form got better when the weather warmed up,” Scott said.
“He’s had a couple of weeks off and he came back into the stable this week.”
Scott and O’Sullivan will have two runners at Te Awamutu on Wednesday and both rate as each-way prospects.
Rainbow Song finished a tidy sixth when resuming at Taupo over 1200m and he will contest the Cooper Naylor 1400m.
“He’s certainly improved in his coat and general appearance,” Scott said. “He’s a capable horse and Opie (Bosson) got off him at Taupo and said he’s going well and to step him up a little bit in distance.”
Mr Selfridge was a first-up fifth on the same day and he will strip a fitter horse for the Cal Isuzu 1400m.
“He’s also improved and again, getting up to 1400m will help him,” Scott said. – NZ Racing Desk.