Once touted as an Everest contender before being struck down by soundness issues, Showmanship (NZ) (Showcasing) will be looking to prove that he still packs a punch when he returns to Sydney for the first time in almost two years.
The eight-year-old, who will line up in Saturday’s Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) at Randwick, has twice had his career interrupted for lengthy periods.
Considered one of the rising stars of the sprinting ranks after winning seven of his first eight starts, he was in discussions for the 2020 Everest before a tendon issue sidelined him for 18 months.
He returned for three runs, including a slashing Group 3 victory at his only Sydney visit two years later, then spent another 15 months out of action.
Owner Bob Peters eventually sent Showmanship to John Leek Jnr, who has a knack for managing horses with wear and tear issues.
The gelding made a great start for his new stable when motoring home from last to finish a half-length fourth in the Doveton Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in December, and again wasn’t beaten far when resuming with a midfield effort in the Wangoom Handicap in May.
Leek says nothing went right for Showmanship at Sandown last start, but on a heavy track at Randwick he is anticipating a much-improved performance.
“He’s a beautiful horse,” Leek said.
“He’s got a lot of ability but as you can see, he obviously hasn’t raced much so we’ve just got to plan his runs and get him onto a wet track.
“There have been no ratings races to suit him, but we’ve found one on Saturday. He’s in well and I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s been the plan for a while.”
