Smart Matamata sprinter Spring Heat’s racing career is back on track.

 

The More Than Ready four-year-old was expected to be a strong chance in the Gr.3 Concorde Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie last start after winning at Matamata, but she started to buck soon after the start and lost all chance.

 

“She had to undergo a barrier test with raceday gear on and we did that last week,” co-trainer Lance O’Sullivan said.

 

“She passed the test without any problems.

 

“At Ellerslie there wasn’t much packing under the saddle and she went five or six strides before it moved and she started to buck.”

 

Spring Heat is likely to start in an open sprint at Ellerslie next Saturday week then compete at the Auckland Cup carnival.

 

 

In-form apprentice jockey Ryan Elliot has set himself a Group One target for his return to raceday riding.

 

The Hamilton rider fractured both of his thumbs in a trackwork incident on the morning of the Karaka Million twilight race meeting last month and as a result missed out on riding Group One performer Hypnos in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m).

 

Elliot will undergo an operation to mend his broken thumb and has set himself a target of returning to raceday riding on February 23 for the Gr.1 Haunui Farm WFA Group One Classic (1600m) at Otaki.

 

“I have got a broken thumb that will need an operation, that’s only a day job, so it will be alright,” Elliot said.

 

“The other thumb is fractured with an infection, but it will be all good hopefully.

 

“I am hoping to be back for Otaki, Haunui Classic Day, that’s the main aim.”