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Injury-plagued galloper makes low-key return on Anzac Day
Michael Kent Jnr can't help but think Gunstock has the talent to be targeting better races Tuesday's The Les Carlyon at Flemington, but that does not dampen his enthusiasm for the gelding's return.
The four-year-old will be having his first start since his three-length win in the Group 3 Coongy Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on October 12, from which he emerged with a knee issue.
That was his second serious knee problem, having also pulled up from the Victoria Derby with an issue, one that kept him sidelined for almost 12 months.
"He's obviously got a little weakness there, otherwise he's the most beautiful horse and I hate to think what he might have been had he not had those problems," Kent said.
Gunstock has won three of seven starts with the Coongy Cup his second dominant Group 3 success, having won the Caulfield Classic (2000m) as a three-year-old.
He has tuned up for Tuesday's 1700-metre event with two Cranbourne jumpouts, over 1200m and 1400m.
"We wouldn't want to run him over any shorter, he's a real stayer," Kent said.
"He's got a beautiful big stride and he'll stay all day, but he's got a bit of speed in his legs first-up, so he'll get the trip no problem.
"His trials have been sharp for him. No doubt he'll be rusty off a long break, but from a soft draw with a good jockey on in Ben Melham, there's no reason why he won't go well."
The son of Tavistock is second favourite for The Les Carlyon, behind Pinstriped, and Kent said while he and co-trainer Mick Price are hopeful of again getting to better races, Tuesday's event – in which he has drawn barrier three – is merely a starting point for the campaign.
"It's very much run by run with him, so it's just cross fingers and toes and everything that he pulls up OK," Kent said.
"Maybe Queensland, maybe freshen him up for spring, but we'll just get through Tuesday and work it out."
Gunstock is one of two acceptors for Kent and Price, who also have Visinari engaged, but he is not a certain starter.
"He's looking for a bit of give in the ground," he said. "He's a sound animal, but his best form's clearly on soft ground and I think that's been the reason his first two runs back haven't been to his best.
"If we thought it wouldn't suit him we can just wait for Sandown 10 days later."
