Madassa Primed For Comeback Says Smith Posted on May 5, 2017 | Posted by Julio Santarelli Madassa can get his career back on track when he challenges a hot line up in the $125,000 Listed Avon Valley Toyota-Northam Stakes (1100m) on Sunday. Northam’s opening meeting of the season marks the return of the Lindsey Smith-trained five-year-old after a tendon injury sidelined him for 18-months. The talented Due Sasso gelding has not raced since the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) in 2015 when he ran a brave fourth to Queensland star, Buffering. Madassa, who has won seven races from 14 starts and pocketed $300,850 in prizemoney, strengthened his comeback plans with three trial wins. “It’s been a long process, but there is nothing wrong with his tendon now,” Smith said on Tabradio’s The Sports Daily. “The race and weight scale suits him and it’s just so good to see him back at the race course once again. “He trialled well and has had plenty of work. He is fit and ready to go.” Madassa, on the 55kg minimum, has drawn barrier six. In-form jockey, Brad Parnham, has secured the prized mount for the first time. First Among Equals, who ran second to Madassa in a Lark Hill trial last week, will be ridden by leading apprentice, Aaron Mitchell. First Among Equals is racing first-up this campaign ahead of a possible Group 1 clash in the Goodwood Stakes in Adelaide. The Simon Miller-trained gelding, who holds favouritism over Madassa, races well fresh with three wins from five first-up attempts. “I’m pretty excited to be riding him,” Mitchell said. “He can let down with a strong turn of foot. “His first up record reads reasonably well.” Experienced hoop, Peter Hall, won’t rule out Battle Hero, one of two runners for owners Bob and Sandra Peters, running a forward race on his return. On face value the 1100m looks too slick for the Stratum gelding, but Hall believes he is capable of making an impact early in his campaign. “I think his first run is his best,” Hall said. “He ran second to Rock Magic last prep.” Battle Hero is an outside chance at $21. Holding TAB favouritism is First Among Equals ($3.20). Madassa at $4.40 and Disposition $4.60 also rate highly.
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Randwick Preview September 18, 2025 RACE 1 We race at Randwick on Saturday, plenty of stars stepping out later in the day, track will be good which is pleasing. The… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Gold Coast Preview September 18, 2025 RACE 1 Racing at the Gold Coast on Saturday where the ‘Pink Ribbon Cup’ is our feature. Weather has been fine & warm however the… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Belmont Preview September 18, 2025 RACE 1 SNITZALATTE won impressively on debut in a maiden at ascot and took that form straight to a Saturday when winning by 1.5L. Following… Read More
Lightweights meet legends in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes September 18, 2025 The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes returns this Saturday at Caulfield, offering a fascinating blend of weight-for-age class and handicap opportunity. While not run under WFA… Read More
Warren Huntly’s Saturday Caulfield Preview September 18, 2025 Race 1 PRESSER stuck on ok against the pattern last start and can settle closer. PRINCE ERIC had had little luck of late and also… Read More
Sir Delius is Spring loaded and ready to fire September 18, 2025 The Spring Carnival is heating up, and one of its most exciting contenders, Sir Delius, is ready to take the next step in his campaign… Read More
Underwood Stakes 2025: Springboard for Cup Glory September 18, 2025 The Underwood Stakes has long been a pivotal springboard for Australia’s premier staying contests, and its reputation as a form race for the Caulfield Cup… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Mount Magnet Preview September 18, 2025 RACE 1 IMPENDING FEATURE finished second to Kimberley Currency and beat home key rival Blitz over 1000m at Carnarvon and then last Saturday kept whacking… Read More
Great Greys September 18, 2025 Shayne Train Williams Mandurah Thursday 2-5 Mystical Pixel 9-2 Sunset Bubbles 10-3 Redhot Money Jaycin Campbell Q2 Parklands Thursday 3-7 Firethorn (BB) 6-6 Pop’s Maestro… Read More
Trent Cooper’s Gloucester Park Preview September 18, 2025 Race 1 MALAKIE (11) recorded impressive back-to-back wins in June and was driven softly when a nice 2nd at his first run back from a… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Thursday Greyhound Best Bets September 18, 2025 MANDURAH Race 2 No. 5 Mystic Pixel Lightly raced daughter of Aussie Infrared, was really good winning her maiden in good time last week 17.35…. Read More
Shayne Williams’ Wednesday Greyhound Best Bets September 17, 2025 CANNINGTON Race 3 No. 8 Zara’s Secret Going to speck the new comer to the state, has a nice record with 4 wins from 10… Read More