A week of jumping and the addition of blinkers may prove the spark Matthew Williams is looking for when Loresho runs at Flemington.
Loresho will be lining up for his fourth start for Williams in Saturday’s Harry White Handicap (2500m).
A five-time winner in France before joining now-disqualified trainer Darren Weir, Loresho suffered a severe hind leg injury which put him on the sidelines for more than 18 months.
While the leg may not look the best, Williams says Loresho is sound and he is expecting a good run from the gelding on Saturday.
“He’s been through a lot of different surgeries with the injury,” Williams said.
“He got a tendon sheath infection which required a few operations where they had to drain it and flush it.
“He’s also had a couple of skin grafts on the back leg and while it doesn’t look the best he’s really sound and riding him you wouldn’t know that he’s had that trouble.”
Loresho’s problems began in Sydney when the Weir stable took the stayer north for the spring of 2017.
Williams took over training Loresho when Weir was banned out in February and the trainer has seen continued improvement from the stayer.
After resuming at Flemington in early June before running at Morphettville two weeks later, Loresho was a luckless fifth at Gawler over 2100m last Saturday and Williams is expecting the extra ground to suit.
Williams said Loresho suffered a check on the home turn which in turn cost winning jockey Kayla Crowther a four-meeting suspension.
“He needs to build his momentum and can’t have his run stopped,” Williams said.
“He was beaten three lengths and if he didn’t get that check he finishes right on their heels.
“He’s pulled up terrific and the back-up will actually suit him. He’s got the blinkers going on and he’s done a bit of jumping this week.
“I’m pretty happy with him. He’s a very dour staying horse and the 2500 metres will be right up his alley.”
Loresho, a $41 chance, will be ridden by Dean Yendall.
“I think he’s an each-way chance in the race,” Williams said.