2016 National Derby winner Magic Spring, who was retired a month ago, is about to make a surprise return to racing.
Trained by Noelene Holloway, Magic Spring (pictured, right) has made a remarkable recovery from injury and has just trialled at Maitland in 25.20, which is close to his best Maitland 450m record time of 24.74.
The greyhound will make his return at Wentworth Park when he lines up in race four - a heat of the Ladbrokes Monthly Medal.
"I put him over 400m at Maitland and he clocked 22.70, which is ordinary time for him. But on Friday he zipped over the Maitland 450m in 25.20," Holloway said.
"(Saturday's race) looks an ideal race for him at this stage of his comeback preparation.''
XXXX
A minor illness has made Royal Turbo the forgotten greyhound of Wentworth Park racing, but trainer Glen McKinley is confident his Christmas Gift winner will be back for next month's Group 1 Peter Mosman Classic series.
Royal Turbo has not raced at Wentworth Park since finishing third on April 22 but is expected to be close to his best for the Peter Mosman heats on June 3.
"He was off colour for a few days so with the Peter Mosman in mind I eased him up," McKinley said.
"Royal Turbo has begun hand-slipping again so by the time the heats are on he should be cherry ripe."
Royal Turbo, a slick front-runner, will have the advantage of being among the oldest greyhounds in the age restricted Peter Mosman series.
The son of Swift Fancy has had 18 starts at Wentworth Park for six wins and six placings, and a personal best time of 29.88.
Royal Turbo, a $20 chance, pulled off a massive group race upset when he led from the first turn to defeat Richmond Riches favourite Mister Twister, Gate Blaster and Bessy Boo in the Christmas Gift final on December 17.
