Injury-plagued O’Malley returns at Flemington

ONCE a promising runner after winning back-to-back races in Melbourne, the Enver Jusufovic-trained O’Malley was hit by a serious injury, but after over a year off the track, it resumes this Saturday.

Now a six-year-old, the son of Street Boss resumes in a benchmark rating 90 at Flemington and is currently a $9 chance at Sportsbet.com.au despite the long layoff.

The gelding fetched offers of over $1 million when it was in its prime, but the owners decided to keep the talented gelding until tragedy struck. It broke its off-side knee at Sandown and it has only had two official trials since, with the most recent coming at Wangaratta where it won on a heavy track.

Sportsbet.com.au

Jusufovic had to survive another injury scare this year, but believes his runner is in good order and is ready to make its long-awaited comeback.

“It’s all systems go and he is really well, so we are ready to kick off,” Jusufovic said. “He required six months off after [the] operation and it’s been a slow rehab back.

“It appeared he had gone amiss when he was on the provide surface at Cranbourne, but he is like a prize fighter and just won’t lay down.

“He had another jump out after the Wangaratta trial and performed quite well.”

Jusufovic said the Flemington straight will help on Saturday as it won’t have to navigate any corners.

“I suppose it’s like a footballer coming back for his first game after a knee reconstruction and you are hopeful he will get best on ground, but you really just want him to get through it,” he said.

“I think he was potentially a listed to group class [horse], but will he reach those heights, I might never know. The odds are against him to get there, but he is just a tough bugger.”

Related Posts

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments