Group-winning gelding Rising Red (NZ) (Redwood) is ready to return to the races after his latest lengthy injury absence.
The 2017 Group One New Zealand Derby runner-up and 2018 Group Three Premier’s Cup winner in Brisbane has been off the scene since last spring because of a suspensory injury
He is scheduled to return in Saturday’s 1400m-handicap at Flemington where he will be joined by stablemate Salsamor who is making a return from a similar injury.
Six-year-old Rising Red has been restricted to 18 starts while his year younger stablemate has been to the races 11 times.
“Both have been off the scene due to injury and been on slow rehab programs, and they are both now ready to get back to the races,” Trent Busuttin, who trains in partnership with Natalie Young, said.
Busuttin said Rising Red’s rehabilitation had gone well and the gelding has had three jump-outs ahead of his race return.
“He had one on Monday, hard-held and I couldn’t be more pleased with the horse,” Busuttin said.
“It has been a very slow process but the owners have been very good and patient, and touch wood we’ve given him the necessary time that he can stand up to a racing preparation now.
“He’s obviously a top quality horse and it’s certainly been frustrating and disappointing for the owners, so it would be well-deserved if he could pick up a nice race for them somewhere in the future.
“But I’d just like to see him getting back winning races.”
Busuttin is not expecting too much first-up over 1400m but would like to see Rising Red find cover early and hit the line well.
“Realistically he’s not a winning chance,” he said.
“He’s a long way off peak-fitness but it’s about making a safe and good return back to the track.”
Salasamor (NZ) (Tavistock) was runner-up in the Group Two Stutt Stakes and third in the Group Two Vase during the 2017 spring while he was unplaced in the Caulfield Guineas, Australian Guineas and Australian Derby at Group One level that season.
Busuttin would not be surprised to see the five-year-old gelding turn in a good run fresh in his first start since May last year.
“He’s had three jump-outs now and he could run a cheeky race on Saturday,” he said.
“I think he will sprint very well.”
