After failing to cope with the hot and humid conditions in Singapore, multiple Group One winner Volkstok’n’barrell is now in Melbourne with trainer Danny O’Brien
Winner of the 2015 Rosehill Guineas as a three-year-old as well as three Group One races in New Zealand as an older horse, Volkstok’n’barrell was the flag-bearer for trainer Donna Logan when she made the move to Singapore last year.
But after five starts, in which he did not finish closer than 6.6 lengths from the winner, the decision was made to send him home.
Volkstok’n’barrell has not raced since finishing last on the Polytrack at Kranji in December.
O’Brien said Volkstok’n’barrell spent time at part-owner Rosemont Stud’s property recharging his batteries before being transferred to the trainer’s operation at 13th Beach to prepare for his racing return.
Volkstok’n’barrell poked around in a Flemington jump-out on Friday and O’Brien said he was still a way off a racetrack comeback.
“He’ll need another couple of trials,” O’Brien said.
“He’ll have another trial on the course proper on August 12 and we’ll take it trial by trial.
“We haven’t made any plans at the moment, other than making sure he’s getting fitter and is happy and healthy and then we’ll see how he goes.”