Gordon Richards says everything would need to fall perfectly in place for star sprinter Gytrash to make a surprise return to racing in the $502,250 Group 1 Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on May 15.
Gytrash had social media in a spin on Thursday when he opened a $6 second favourite with tab.com.au after a video to owners the night before indicated the horse had recovered from injury quicker than expected and Richards said he was “pretty keen to have a crack at (The Goodwood) if we could”.
Richards told RadioTAB’s Racing Active on Friday morning the horse would need a flawless few weeks, while the Doomben 10,000 also presented a potential target.
“We were going to get him fit and give him a trial or two and then tip him out again but the Goodwood is there,” Richards said on radio.
“The timing is tight, but it would only be probably one run and then a break heading towards The Everest but it’s an option.”
Gytrash was spelling at Hawkesbury before the recent floods forced him to Menangle where he spent time on the water walker, advancing his fitness levels.
“He’s been back (at Morphettville) about 10 days and in great order,” Richards said.
“He’s been at the water walker up at Menangle for three or four weeks and had a bit of a head start on his preparation.”
One thing in the horse’s favour is the fact he comes to hand quickly, given it is only five weeks between now and the SA premier sprint feature.
“When he won the Lightning, I think he’d only had seven weeks work, even less,” Richards said.
“He’s a very clean-winded horse, he doesn’t take a lot (of work).
“I’ll just have to keep assessing as we get closer to the race. If there was an issue, he wouldn’t run.”
