Bazza "Flying" Ahead of Unlikely Return

FLYING Bazza will make an improbable return to racing at Wentworth Park this Saturday night when the former gun juvenile steps out from box one for trainer Jason Mackay.

Fourth to Good Odds Harada in last October's TAB Million Dollar Chase, Flying Bazza's career came to a thunderous halt just a week later when suffering what was expected to be a career ending tendon injury at Wentworth Park.

"It's been a long time between drinks … it's been a tough slog," said Jason Mackay in the lead up to Saturday night's highly anticipated return.

"It's a big call but he hasn't lost any of his ability – if anything he might be going better. He's lacking match fitness for Saturday night but the fence is a huge help to him. He scrapes the rail so he won't need to go looking for it."

Winner at seven of his 16 starts, Flying Bazza qualified for last year's TAB Million Dollar Chase Final at just start 15 – a performance that was to launch a huge season of racing for the talented son of Barcia Bale.

WENTWORTH PARK FIELDS & FORM

"As soon as he got beat the next start I knew he'd done major damage," Mackay added.

"Des Fagen operated on him and did a sensational job. Luckily the tendon didn't completely detach from the bone which gave him something to work with. And he stitched right around it for extra stability – honestly you wouldn't even know he's had a problem there now.

"His owner Gary Webb and son Justin did all the rehab before he came back to me and he looked immaculate – they did a great job with him. It's been a team effort and hopefully the hard work pays off on Saturday night."

Already a winner at headquarters in 29.65, the Mackay-trained charge takes an unbeaten box one record into Saturday night's assignment which includes kennelmate Aston Meave in box seven.

"She's on the way back from a pretty serious blood disorder but she's heading in the right direction," Mackay said.

"I had Flying Bazza right to go a little while back but he cut himself on a fence at home which needed stitches and set him back a few weeks.   

"If he stays sound there's no reason we won't get a good 12 months of racing out of him.

"Without going into his trials I'll just say he's surprised me with some of the times he's run … he's gone better than I was hoping for.

"The draw brings him right into the race on Saturday night but he'll definitely be better for the hit-out. On the clock he's lost nothing.

"It's good to have him back."