Laser Hawk set for Apollo Stakes comeback

Tuesday 19 February 2013, 4:06pm

The Rosehill Guineas winner Laser Hawk has been cleared to run in the Apollo Stakes after overcoming a minor hoof problem which threatened to delay a much-anticipated comeback to racing.

Laser Hawk worked well enough at Randwick on Tuesday to convince trainer Gai Waterhouse he is ready for a return to competition at Warwick Farm after an extended break.

Andrew Baddock, the racing manager for Laser Hawk's owner Eduardo Cojuangco, confirmed Laser Hawk has been troubled by a foot abscess since winning a Randwick barrier trial last month.

"He had a little issue with a foot which is now resolved and it's all systems go for Saturday," Baddock told AAP.

"He's back on track and he's in good order. He didn't miss any work or anything.

"Considering his history, we're happy just to have that and nothing else."

Laser Hawk was one of the three-year-old stars of last year's Sydney autumn carnival, graduating from restricted ranks to claim the Rosehill Guineas at his fifth start.

His campaign ended with a minor placing in the Australian Derby won by Ethiopia.

It was a result that earned further merit when a bone chip was found in his knee a few days later.

"We were told we could have him back in three to four months but we decided to give him six months out to give him every chance of a full recovery," Baddock said.

A half-brother to the 2007 Apollo Stakes winner Desert War, Laser Hawk was pre-trained at Cojuangco's Gooree Stud before the four-year-old returned to Tulloch Lodge in November.

"Obviously he is going to be better with a bit of match practice but Gai told me on Sunday he's certainly forward enough to kick off on Saturday."

Laser Hawk will be joined by stablemate Glencadam Gold in the Group Two weight-for-age race which appears certain to be top heavy with runners from the Chris Waller stable.

Early favourite to win the richest staying race of the autumn, the $2.25 million Group One BMW, Glencadam Gold steps out for the first time since he finished sixth in the Melbourne Cup after making the running.

Kelinni is another 2012 Melbourne Cup runner entered to resume after finishing two places ahead of Glencadam Gold at Flemington in November.

He is part of a formidable Waller contingent which includes the 2011 Apollo winner Danleigh.

– AAP

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