BENDIGO trainer Shaun Dwyer says he is pleased with the way his stable star Miss Leonidas came through his first run back from a lengthy spell at Mornington on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The classy mare made an encouraging return to racing, flashing home to finish second behind the Cranbourne-trained sprinter The Centaurian over 1000 metres.
It was the four-year-old's first race start since October last year.
Hampered by setbacks in the ensuing months, Dwyer is hopeful the best is still ahead for Miss Leonidas, a winner of three of her 10 career starts, including one at city-level.
"If she had a few more manners she probably would have won easily - she still does a little bit wrong in her races, particularly the first start each preparation," he said.
"I'm hoping the next start she will be a little bit more settled and not quite so fresh.
"But it was a very good run under the circumstances. She blew the start a bit, as she can when she is first-up, and raced a little bit erratic, but all that said she came very close.
"We will press on. She's obviously had a few issues - she had a couple of internal bleeds last time, but we seem to be on top of that.
"It was just nice to get her to the races - hopefully we can have a few more runs this campaign without taxing her too much."
Dwyer said he would 'highly likely' target a Listed race at Caulfield in three weeks' time over 1100 metres.
READ MORE:
The dual Group 1-winning trainer is also looking forward to nice things from recent Yarra Glen winner Brother Paul.
Dwyer will look to back the four-year-old gelding up at Wangaratta on April 12.
"He's been a bit unlucky in his four or five starts to date, but I was very happy with his run," he said.
"He got to the line well - I think the conditions at Wangaratta will suit him down to the ground.
"He's a nice horse - he is no superstar, but he will win a few more races for the owners.
"He is still a lit bit immature even though he's a four-year-old. He seems to be enjoying his racing career. He's eating the best he has in his life, which is a good sign."
Another of Dwyer's city winners Savaju will return to racing at Sandown on April 3.
The five-year-old mare has been out of action since her fifth at Moonee Valley on December 29.
"She won a 1000 metre jump-out the other day very convincingly and we will be going to Sandown with a little bit of confidence," Dwyer said.
READ MORE:
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
