Baraqiel may make a racetrack return before the season ends, with co-trainer Will Larkin pleased by the sprinter’s recovery from a suspensory injury.
The six-year-old burst onto the scene with a dominant win in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m) last October but was sidelined after finishing third as favourite in the inaugural The Meteorite (1200m).
Larkin, who trains alongside Leon and Troy Corstens, said the injury occurred mid-race.
“Going back to the replay, you can see halfway down the straight, he put in a bad stride,” Larkin said.
“He pulled up very sore after that run and sure enough, the scans confirmed he did a suspensory.”
After a cautious rebuild, Baraqiel ran fourth in a soft 800m jump out at Werribee on July 4.
“He’s really good… hasn’t had an unsound day this preparation touch wood so far,” Larkin said.
Malua Racing is now eyeing a return in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on July 26.