Kerry Parker never doubted he would be able to nurse Nextanix back to full health as the stayer stands to end almost 18 months in the wilderness at Randwick on Saturday.
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Sidelined with a career-threatening tendon injury, Nextanix will return to the track in a Benchmark 85 Handicap, after not being seen at the races since September 2012.
It's the same injury which cut short Aliyana Tilde's career, but the Kembla Grange horseman was a little more upbeat about the hopes of Nextanix, fourth in Niwot's 2012 Sydney Cup.
"I did [think I would get him back] because the bow was high in the tendon," Parker said.
"We've been taking all the right precautions and had it scanned last week and he's ready to go.
"He's really thriving on his work," he said.
"We brought him in and out a couple of times to work on the tendon, but he was only doing slow work and swimming and you could tell he wanted to get back into it."
Despite being renowned as a fast-finishing stayer, Nextanix has only ever won over 1300 metres and 1400 metres.
"I'd be happy if he just settled and hit the line really well in finishing his race off," Parker said.
Heavyweight hoop Robbie Brewer will take the ride on Nextanix having partnered the horse in two jumpouts.
Nextanix has been slugged with 60.5 kilograms in his return.