Trainer Shane Oxlade believes Sghirripa is primed to bounce back as he lines up in the Listed Durbridge Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville.
The Group 3 winner has been freshened since an underwhelming Melbourne campaign late last spring and will now focus on South Australian sprint features.
Oxlade admitted the gelding failed to live up to expectations last time in but is hopeful the break has done him the world of good.
“He certainly disappointed, there’s no doubt about that,” Oxlade said.
“I just don’t think he was interested, to be honest.
“So he’s been home and had a freshen up, had a jump out, and he’s jumped out really well.
“But I couldn’t fault him going into the other runs, I was really happy with him going into the other runs, I had no issues with him, sometimes you wish you had an excuse.”
Sghirripa showed his trademark speed when leading throughout in a 900m trial at Strathalbyn on January 15, finishing ahead of fellow Durbridge hopeful Prairie Flower.
“We’ve got the carnival at home,” Oxlade said.
“There are races over the border that are always there, but his ratings come back a little bit now, so he’s sort of got this one at home, and then in a month’s time you’ve got the City Of Marion.
“And by then you’re starting to run into our carnival, the Irwin Stakes, the D C McKay and then into The Goodwood.
“From my point of view, it’s about getting him back to racing like I know he can and winning, that’s the main thing.
The stable remains confident a return to form is imminent given Sghirripa’s past success, including his dominant win in the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m).
“He’s raced well with good gaps between runs before,” Oxlade said.
“I’m really happy with him. The horse himself is in a good place, he’s happy, so I guess we’ll know more on Saturday where he is mentally.”
Those assessing the Durbridge Stakes can check the latest online bookmakers ahead of raceday.
The post Fresh Sghirripa set for Durbridge Stakes first appeared on Just Horse Racing.