The Jerome Hunter-trained Wonder Boy is set to make his return to the track this Saturday in the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington.
The three-year-old gelding made a strong impression on debut at Flemington in June, securing a convincing win before placing third in the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) and second in the Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) behind Growing Empire, who has since placed three times at Group 1 level.
Wonder Boy was last seen finishing fifth in the Listed Exford Plate (1400m) at Flemington on September 14.
“He’s come back really well, he’s had a few trials,” Hunter told Racing.com.
“Hopefully, the penny’s dropped the way he’s been trialling, he’s been jumping out a lot better. I couldn’t be happier with him.
“Physically, he’s always sensational, he’s such a big, strong horse. The biggest thing with him is trying to keep the weight off him because he’s such a big, heavy horse.
“I think he’s trimmed up a lot better this campaign, he’s lost a bit of that puppy fat, he seems like he has a more mature physique about him.”
With all of his starts so far coming at Flemington, Hunter believes the track suits Wonder Boy perfectly.
“He knows the track really well, he loves straight running, so it just helps him, I think. He’s definitely fit enough to win but I’m hoping we’ve got plenty to improve as well.
“I want him to hopefully go through an autumn campaign, so we’ve got to make sure he’s not rock-hard fit leading into the autumn.”
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