Trainer Robert Wellwood says the stable will take Mark Twain’s (NZ) (Shocking) return to racing “day-by-day” with the hope of getting him back to the Melbourne Cup.
The talented son of Shocking has completed his rehab following a tendon injury, with a return to their New Zealand stables on the cards shortly.
Mark Twain won his way into the 2024 Melbourne Cup by impressively taking out the Roy Higgins Quality last year, but a tendon injury scuppered those plans.
Wellwood, who trains alongside Roger James, said Mark Twain’s rehab with Matthew Williams had gone well and had given connections hope of running in the 2025 Melbourne Cup.
“He has done his rehab in Melbourne. I’m not sure of the exact date, but he’s due back in the stable and, hopefully, be back for next spring,” Wellwood said.
“Terry Henderson and the OTI crew have a great system. They work with Matthew Williams and they’ve had good success before.
“I’m sure going forward they will hope it’s done the job for him. He is a class horse and it would be good to have him back at his best.
“A horse with an unsoundness issue you have to take day-by-day, but that’s (the Melbourne Cup) is the dream.
“We were meant to be there this year, but it’s a long way to go before that.”