It would be a comeback story for the ages if Outback Opal were to take out the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.
The daughter of El Roca has been in terrific form of late, winning her last three starts on-end, but she has had to overcome some hurdles to get there.
“She had a serious problem early on, she’s not really meant to be here,” trainer Mark Brosnan said.
“She had a slab fracture of her back cannon bone and it was very touch and go of whether she survived or not.
“The vets said she would need an operation to screw it back into hold its place and the other option was to put her down.
“She was in the box for four months with a bandage on and she came back.
“It is an unusual story, but it did happen, and it will be great if she can get some of it on Saturday.”
While Outback Opal faces a tough ask against some tough opposition, Brosnan is hopeful of a positive result from his mare.
“My only concern is that she has been up for a little while, but she seems fine,” he said.
“This will be it for the season for her.”
Brosnan will take two other runners to Te Rapa on Saturday, including Arjay’s Flight in the AON Insurance Brokers 2400 and Fly My Wey in the Maneline Cambridge 1600.
“It will be interesting to see how Arjay’s Flight goes over a mile and a half,” he said.
“Fly My Wey is a definite chance. He has got a bit of weight, but he has been racing well and he will be a definite chance if the track remains good.”
