Headwall is in a unique position to attempt back-to-back victories in the same race at successive starts as he prepares for his return in the Concorde Stakes at Randwick.
The gelding was a dominant winner of the $1 million sprint last year but suffered a leg injury that kept him out for the rest of the season.
After a patient build-up to his Saturday comeback, his in-form trainer Matthew Smith expressed his eagerness for the horse to race again.
“It has been a long build up. Every time you gallop him you’re holding your breath,” Smith stated.
“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 first-up record, with three wins and two placings from his six starts when resuming. However, Smith remains cautious due to the significant layoff.
He is also aware that the 1000-metre distance of the Concorde Stakes offers little margin for error, despite being pleased with Headwall’s current condition.
“I think he is going as well as last year. That’s where I feel he’s at,” Smith commented.
“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 is also set to field Way To The Stars in the same race, having cancelled plans to travel to Melbourne due to adverse weather predictions.
“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 stable’s talented mare Idle Flyer will compete in the Tramway Stakes (1400m) following a commendable first-up performance where she finished sixth behind Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes (1400m), facing some of the nation’s top horses.
Smith is considering targeting Idle Flyer towards the Epsom Handicap (1600m) in October. Although a mile is considered her optimal distance, Idle Flyer has an unblemished record in four starts second-up.
“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 enjoyed a strong start to the season, accumulating seven city wins and currently holding third place on the Sydney trainers’ premiership behind the formidable Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher.
Punters looking to back a winner in the Concorde Stakes can find competitive racing odds at leading Australian betting sites.