Connections of Amor Victorious began this preparation with modest hopes, but they are now encouraged the gelding can return to his top form as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.
Winner of the Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) last spring, Amor Victorious had operations on both knees following his midfield finish in the 2024 Five Diamonds (1800m).
Bjorn Baker’s racing manager, Luke Hilton, said they re-introduced him carefully, although the horse’s work suggested the procedures had achieved what they needed.
“It’s just something we’ve got to manage,” Hilton said.
“We were guarded when he came back as to how we’d go with him. But he’s been good, and his trials have been good.
“We’d like a little bit of rain to make it softer and a bit easier on him, but he’s really well.”
The six-year-old will line up alongside stablemate Sandpaper in the $1 million Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange on Saturday after resuming with a credible eighth behind Jimmysstar in the Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) earlier this month.
He trialled again following that performance, and while stretching to a mile second-up poses a test, the stable is expecting an improved effort as they look toward next month’s The Ingham (1600m).
“He’s had plenty of work,” Hilton said.
“Second-up to the mile is going to be a bit of an issue. He will definitely take even more benefit out of the run.
“But he’s got a lovely gate (barrier one), and he’ll be able to put himself right there and will be in it for a long way.”
Sandpaper, meanwhile, steps out third-up and appears close to reaching peak fitness.
Drawn midfield in 11, he was brave despite covering ground when seventh in the Ladies’ Day Cup (1500m) at Hawkesbury last start, and Hilton expects natural improvement.
“He went forward and toughed it out really well. It was only the last hundred he got tired,” he said.
“He’s ready to peak third-up. Tricky gate, but he’s going well.”
With last year’s Gong champion Gringotts dominating betting at $2.10, Amor Victorious is rated a $10 chance, while Sandpaper sits at $31.
