The Xcellent one returns.....

[_ed_]

He didn't gallop before the first today...he did after the third! Took me by surprise and I didn't have time to go down to the rail.

Watched from the stand though and he looked brilliant. He jogged most of the way around the track, but galloped the last 5f. He was galloping with a maiden stablemate, and drew away from him in the stretch. He broke 1 minute for the 5f, doing it in 58 and change, with the last 4f in 47 and the last 3f in 36.

When they interviewed the trainer after the race he said he was amazed by the work, I think he said he was only expecting him to do the 5f in about 1:02 since the track was rain-affected.

So it's all good news by the sound of it! Flies to Brisbane on Thursday.