Trainer Scott Singleton will be happy just to see Winch back at the races at Kembla Grange on Saturday afternoon.
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The Manhattan Rain gelding hasn’t been sighted on race day for a whopping 759 days and will make his return in the Tiarn Warner Class 2 Handicap (1200m).
A series of tendon problems have prevented the now five-year-old from returning to the track since a nine-length romp at Kempsey on January 10, 2017.
Winch had been in the care of Port Macquarie trainer Neil Godbolt at the time, but has since been transferred back to Singleton’s stable.
Singleton trained Winch during his first preparation and was keeping his expectations in check ahead of the return.
“When they have been off that long they will invariably need a run or two to get their racing legs,” he said.
“I can’t see him doing much, we will just see how he measures up.
“He has had an ultrasound and I am pretty happy with him.”
“They spent a lot of time with him down at the farm getting the leg right,”
“He is lovely and sound now so hopefully he can get back into form at some stage.
Singleton gave Winch a quiet trial over 1050m at Randwick on January 11.
Apprentice Quayde Krogh will ride Winch first-up from his long spell.
Krogh will also partner Celebrator for Brooke Somers in the Wayne Harris Maiden Handicap (1400m) to finish the card.
The opening event of Saturday’s eight race meeting jumps at 1.14pm.