Headwall is poised to attempt consecutive victories in the same race at successive starts, a rare feat as he prepares to re-enter the fray in the Concorde Stakes at Randwick.

The gelding achieved a brilliant win in the $1 million sprint 12 months ago, but a subsequent leg injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

His return on Saturday follows a deliberate and careful preparation, with trainer Matthew Smith admitting his keenness to see the horse race again.

“It has been a long build up. Every time you gallop him you’re holding your breath,” Smith said.

“I just can’t wait to get him to the races on Saturday.”

“He’s a horse who could win a Group One this ‘prep’. He’s ready to go so we’ll see what happens on Saturday and he’ll improve into the preparation.”

Headwall demonstrates a dynamic record when commencing a preparation, having won three times and placed twice in six first-up runs. However, Smith cautions that this is against the backdrop of the seven-year-old’s extended time off the track.

He is also mindful that the 1000m distance of the Concorde Stakes leaves minimal room for error, although he is very satisfied with Headwall’s condition heading into the race.

“I think he is going as well as last year. That’s where I feel he’s at,” Smith stated.

“But he’s had a year off, you’ve got to remember.”

“The only thing is with these 1000 metre races, it’s a scramble and you’ve got to be lucky. He’s drawn a good barrier and I’m sure they’ll go at a good gallop. We’ll see where we’re up to anyway. Hopefully there will be a flashing light on him going to the line.”

Smith’s stable will also be represented by Way To The Stars in the same contest, after plans to head to Melbourne were abandoned due to a poor weather outlook.

“They’re talking about a lot of rain on Saturday, and we just couldn’t take the chance,” he explained.

“We’re staying here and we’re being realistic about it.”

The accomplished mare Idle Flyer will contest the Tramway Stakes (1400m) for the stable. This follows a tenacious first-up effort where she finished sixth behind Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes (1400m), facing some of the nation’s premier horses.

Smith is leaning towards targeting her at the Epsom Handicap (1600m) in October. While a mile is considered her optimal distance, Idle Flyer remains undefeated in four second-up appearances.

“Well, look out Saturday,” Smith quipped.

“She was really good first-up and she has come on.”

“She’s potentially going to go to the Epsom now. It will be either the Seven (Stakes) or the Epsom. Once she goes to the mile, she’s at her best so this is another stepping stone in that direction.”

The trainer has experienced a highly successful start to the season, amassing seven city winners and currently sitting third on the Sydney trainers’ premiership, behind the formidable Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher.

Get the latest racing odds at top Australian betting sites for the Concorde Stakes.