It is not often a horse is in a position to defend a title in the same race at successive starts, but that is the scenario Headwall faces as he prepares to resume in the Concorde Stakes at Randwick.
The gelding was a dynamic winner of the $1 million sprint 12 months ago, but a subsequent leg injury forced him out for the remainder of the season.
His return on Saturday follows a patient and steady lead-in, with his in-form trainer Matthew Smith admitting he is eager for the horse to compete again.
“It has been a long build up. Every time you gallop him you’re holding your breath,” Smith commented.
“I just can’t wait to get him to the races on Saturday.”
“He’s a horse who could win a Group One this ‘prep’. He’s ready to go so we’ll see what happens on Saturday and he’ll improve into the preparation.”
Headwall boasts an impressive record when racing fresh, with three wins and two placings from six first-up starts. Nonetheless, Smith is cautious given the significant period the seven-year-old has been sidelined.
He is also aware that the 1000-metre distance of the Concorde Stakes offers little room for error, though he is very pleased with Headwall’s condition leading into the race.
“I think he is going as well as last year. That’s where I feel he’s at,” Smith said.
“But he’s had a year off, you’ve got to remember.”
“The only thing is with these 1000 metre races, it’s a scramble and you’ve got to be lucky. He’s drawn a good barrier and I’m sure they’ll go at a good gallop. We’ll see where we’re up to anyway. Hopefully there will be a flashing light on him going to the line.”
Smith will also have Way To The Stars competing in the same race, after abandoning plans to travel to Melbourne due to an unfavourable weather forecast.
“They’re talking about a lot of rain on Saturday, and we just couldn’t take the chance,” he explained.
“We’re staying here and we’re being realistic about it.”
The highly-rated mare Idle Flyer will represent the stable in the Tramway Stakes (1400m), following a commendable first-up effort where she finished sixth behind Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes (1400m), competing against some of the nation’s elite.
Smith is warming to the idea of targeting her towards the Epsom Handicap (1600m) in October. While a mile is considered her optimal distance, Idle Flyer has an unblemished record in four second-up appearances.
“Well, look out Saturday,” Smith quipped.
“She was really good first-up and she has come on.”
“She’s potentially going to go to the Epsom now. It will be either the Seven (Stakes) or the Epsom. Once she goes to the mile, she’s at her best so this is another stepping stone in that direction.”
The trainer has had a brilliant start to the season, recording seven city winners and holding third place on the Sydney trainers’ premiership, behind only the dominant Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher.
Betting markets for the Concorde Stakes are now open at major Australian betting sites.