Michael Trotter is optimistic that Rumbled Again is ready for a big campaign, saying the mare has returned in outstanding condition as she approaches her eight-year-old season.

She resumes in the Victorian Jockeys’ Association Trophy (1410m) at Flemington on Saturday after a break that Trotter believes has done her wonders.

“She’s come back bigger, stronger, and in the best headspace she’s ever been in. For an eight-year-old, that’s pretty remarkable,” Trotter said.

The mare’s last preparation was riddled with setbacks, including a hamstring injury after slipping at Caulfield and a late scratching in Sydney after being deemed lame by the on-course vet.

“She has a shuffly action at the best of times, but that was one argument I wasn’t going to win,” Trotter said. “If I had any concerns, she wouldn’t have made the trip.”

Despite the frustrations, Rumbled Again managed a gallant fifth in the Group 2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley before her Golden Mile bid at Bendigo ended abruptly when she was galloped on, suffering a nasty gash to her hind leg.

“She was in a perfect spot and about to make her run when she got clipped. That was the end of her campaign,” Trotter said.

Rumbled Again has tuned up with two jump-outs, including one on Monday at Cranbourne. She will be partnered by Harry Coffey first-up, with the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington in September looming as a key spring goal.