The Leon, Troy and Will Larkin stable have earned their training fees with the careful preparation of Baraqiel.

The now seven-year-old gelding has long battled leg problems, limiting him to just 10 career starts, though he has still managed six victories.

Baraqiel was originally set to resume in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on July 26 but was withdrawn following a pre-race trot, which would have been his first start since finishing third in The Meteorite (1200m) at Cranbourne last November.

After seeking clearance from Racing Victoria’s veterinary panel with the support of their own vet, the Corstens and Larkin team have secured approval for Baraqiel to race again.

He is now slated to line up in the Listed Norman Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Larkin explained the Caulfield vets on Bletchingly Stakes Day believed Baraqiel was lame in the near foreleg. “He’s a seven-year-old gelding who has had multiple issues throughout his career, so he was never going to trot up perfect,” Larkin said. “It was frustrating and embarrassing for the team, but they made the decision based on what they saw.”

Despite earlier tendon and suspensory injuries, scans have since cleared Baraqiel of any lingering issues. “Now we have just one trot up to do the back end of this week with both RV and our vets there,” Larkin added. “Our vet has worked with us for five years, she knows him well and wouldn’t clear him if there was an issue.”

Baraqiel tuned up with a jump-out win at Flemington on August 8, following earlier efforts at Werribee and Flemington, showing he is ready for his return. “He’s been very good since his last jump out so there’s no reason why he can’t be very competitive on Saturday,” Larkin said.

With his setbacks hopefully behind him, punters will be watching closely to see if Baraqiel can make a strong comeback in the Norman Carlyon Stakes. For those looking to back him, you can find the best betting sites here.