Masked Crusader back for the spring
![](https://www.justhorseracing.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Masked-CrusaderThe-Heath-1100-StakesGroup-3_28-08-2021_WIN_Caulfield_5__848-734x460.jpg)
After eighteen months of frustration, connections of Masked Crusader believe they have finally identified the issue that been hindering their Group 1-winning sprinter, giving them cause for optimism this spring.
Co-trainer Michael Hawkes said extensive testing had revealed the rising seven-year-old to have a throat issue, which has subsequently been rectified through surgery.
Masked Crusader is now back in work preparing for a spring campaign and Hawkes is hopeful he can rediscover form.
“He’s had a throat operation so we’ve finally, hopefully found the key to him,” Michael Hawkes said.
“The last twelve or eighteen months we scratched our head a bit and we didn’t really know why and how. Once we investigated a lot more, we finally found it.
“Stranger things have happened and hopefully it is the turning point and why he’s been running disappointingly.
“We all know the ability he’s got, he’s got plenty of it. Hopefully now he can get it together.”
Masked Crusader finished a slashing second to Nature Strip in the 2021 The Everest but has struggled to consistently reproduce his best form since.
He did show glimpses last spring without winning, including running a close third behind Lost And Running and Mazu in the Premiere Stakes and being beaten just over three lengths in Giga Kick’s Everest.
Hawkes said Masked Crusader had returned in great shape physically and while no timeframe had been put on his return, he was pleasing the team.
“He’s a little bit away yet,” Hawkes said.
“But there’s no rush, we will build him up nice and easy and he’ll be back at the trials soon.
“This prep, it’s all about just trying to win a race, trying to get a win on the board and get his form back.”
Masked Crusader hasn’t raced since finishing down the track in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley in March.
More Racing News
Sepals races into G1 Australian Guineas contention
A potential move to Hong Kong fell through for Sepals after failing a vet test, but that setback may turn into an opportunity for Group 1 glory in Australia. Interest in the talented gelding surged after his maiden win at Sale last month, with further offers coming in following his triumph...
2025 Golden Slipper dream alive for connections of Shaggy
Wyong trainer Allan Kehoe was so ecstatic after Shaggy’s dominant win in the Listed Pierro Plate at Randwick that he nearly celebrated in unconventional fashion. “I was that excited, I could have done a nude run,” Kehoe laughed. His excitement was well justified as the two-year-old produced a powerful front-running display, shifting...
Begg’s mare Magic in the Expressway Stakes
The script didn’t go to plan, but Magic Time still kicked off her autumn campaign in style, unleashing a blistering turn of foot to claim the Expressway Stakes at Randwick. The Grahame Begg-trained mare didn’t begin as sharply as expected, settling worse than midfield and finding herself boxed in with nowhere...
Colts share honours in Talindert Stakes at Flemington
The Lindsay Park team and the training partnership of Anthony and Sam Freedman shared the spoils in the Listed Talindert Stakes (1100m) at Flemington, with both stables now weighing up a tilt at Victoria’s richest two-year-old race at Caulfield next week. The Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) is firmly on...
Freedman still learning about European sprinter ahead of Expressway Stakes
Michael Freedman openly acknowledges that he remains uncertain about what to expect from his latest acquisition, Givemethebeatboys, as the former European sprinter prepares for his Australian debut in theExpressway Stakes at Randwick. While imported racehorses have become a common sight in Australian racing, most are typically middle-distance or staying types rather...
Unbeaten Baker filly ready to go Boom in the Light Fingers Stakes
Twelve months after Stefi Magnetica showcased her potential with an impressive fourth-place finish in the Light Fingers Stakes, trainer Bjorn Baker is hoping to unveil another rising star in the same event. Dance To The Boom is set to make her debut at Group level in Saturday’s edition of the fillies’...
Ad Astra out to break maiden status
Trainer Michael Hickmott is hoping for a change of luck this Saturday as his promising filly Ad Astra continues to battle against unfavorable barrier draws. Set to contest the Sportsbet Fast Form Maiden Plate (1000m) on the Morphettville Parks track, Ad Astra has once again landed a wide gate. However, Hickmott...
Sutton chases elusive Stakes victory in CS Hayes
Feroce holds a special place in the heart of emerging trainer Dominic Sutton. The talented three-year-old not only gave Sutton his first career victory in a maiden at Pakenham last March, but he also delivered the young trainer’s maiden metropolitan win at Caulfield the following month. Feroce nearly caused a major upset...
Benedetta in first-up Black Caviar Lightning Stakes bid
Trainer Jason Warren is eager to make a strong impression from his new Flemington base when Benedetta lines up in the prestigious Black Caviar Lightning. Having recently taken over 18 stables formerly used by Mathew Ellerton, Warren wasted no time in preparing his talented mare, giving her a jump-out down the...
Maher pair on Desirable Stakes quest
The Ciaron Maher stable remains firmly in contention for Australian Guineas success with talented filly Another Prophet. The daughter of Brazen Beau will take another step toward her Group 1 goal over 1600m at Flemington on March 1 when she lines up for her second start this campaign in the Listed...