Once touted as an Everest (1200m) contender before being sidelined by soundness issues, Showmanship will be looking to prove he still possesses talent when he returns to Sydney for the first time in almost two years.
The eight-year-old will line up in Saturday’s Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) at Randwick, having had his career interrupted twice for lengthy periods.
Showmanship was considered one of the rising stars of the sprinting ranks after winning seven of his first eight starts and was in discussions for the 2020 Everest before a tendon issue sidelined him for 18 months.
He returned for three runs, including a slashing Group 3 victory on his only Sydney visit two years later, before spending another 15 months out of action.
Owner Bob Peters eventually sent Showmanship to John Leek Jnr, and the gelding made a great start for his new stable, finishing a half-length fourth in the Listed Doveton Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in December.
He wasn’t beaten far when resuming with a midfield effort in May.
“He’s a beautiful horse,” Leek said.
“He’s got a lot of ability but as you can see, he hasn’t raced much, so we’ve just got to plan his runs and get him onto a wet track.
“There have been no ratings races to suit him, but we’ve found one on Saturday. He’s in well, and I’m looking forward to it.”
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