Warmonger set for long-awaited Flemington return
A long-awaited return from a tendon injury awaits Warmonger (NZ) (War Decree) in Thursday’s A$200,000 Listed Channel 9 Chester Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, with connections focused on his performance rather than a winning result.
The six-year-old gelding won the 2024 Queensland Derby by more than 10 lengths but has not won since, and last raced when finishing 13th in the Sydney Cup in April last year.
Trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have brought Warmonger through a lengthy preparation following rehabilitation, with Price outlining the process ahead of his Oaks Day assignment.
“He went to Lee Evison's then Matthew Williams, who rehabs (owner) Terry Henderson's horses, then into us,” Price said.
“He's been in work six months and had a good preparation.
“He's coming back from an off-front tendon and we've been as polite as we can with him.”
Warmonger has had three jumpouts ahead of his return, winning the second before finishing fourth behind Craig (Territories) in his latest appearance on October 19.
Damian Lane will partner Warmonger from barrier six with 54.5kg in the open handicap, for which bookmakers rated him a $23 chance against $4.20 favourite Tavi Time (NZ) (Tavistock), trained by Kris Lees.
Price said those trials had done all they could to prepare the gelding for the rigours of racing.
“It's time to go,” Price said.
“They all get back to this point then it's time to go back to the races.
“He's beautifully sound and he's well-conditioned.
“He'll run well.”
Warmonger has had 16 starts for three wins, three seconds and one third.
