Headwall is finally closing in on a long-awaited return after almost 10 months on the sidelines, with trainer Matthew Smith weighing up two options for the talented sprinter’s comeback. If all goes to plan, The Everest could once again be firmly on the agenda.
Headwall has been entered for Saturday’s Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield, although Smith is yet to confirm whether the talented sprinter will resume there or wait another week for the July Sprint (1100m) at Rosehill. A final decision is expected after the horse’s trackwork and discussions with connections.
Speaking to Racing and Sports, Smith said there were still several options on the table.
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“I will have a chat with the horse’s owners and work out what we want to do,” Smith told Racing and Sports.
“We also have the July Sprint at Rosehill next week to consider, but I can tell you the horse is going great.”
The comeback has been a long time coming.
Headwall hasn’t raced since producing a brilliant victory in last spring’s Group 3 Concorde Stakes, with a pastern injury forcing him to miss the remainder of the spring carnival just as he was emerging as a genuine contender for a slot in The Everest.
There are encouraging signs the seven-year-old is ready to return.
Headwall has completed two barrier trials in recent weeks, impressing on both occasions. Smith revealed last week that jockey Jay Ford was particularly positive after partnering the gelding in his latest trial.
“Jay said Headwall was in great form and was ready to race if we feel it’s the right option for the horse,” Smith told Racing and Sports.
The trainer has made no secret of his long-term ambition.
Before injury struck, Headwall had firmly entered calculations for a place in Australia’s richest sprint, and Smith still believes the gelding has the ability to force his way back into the conversation.
Should connections decide against racing in July, Smith confirmed the Group 3 Concorde Stakes at Randwick in early September remains the preferred first-up option.
That race was originally mapped out as Headwall’s launching pad toward The Everest before injury cruelled those plans last spring.
On ratings, Headwall remains one of the class runners among the Sir John Monash Stakes nominations.
He heads the list with a rating of 112, ahead of fellow returning mares Bellatrix Star (106) and Miraval Rose (102).
For Smith and Headwall’s owners, however, this weekend isn’t just about winning a Group 3.
It’s about getting one of Australia’s most exciting sprinters back where he belongs.
If Headwall returns anywhere near the horse that mixed it with the nation’s elite before injury, another crack at The Everest could quickly become far more than just a dream.
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