Beast Unleashed On Target For Black Top Return

STAR sprinter Beast Unleashed is on target for a return to racing in the upcoming Group 2 Black Top at Ladbrokes Gardens after posting a fast 22.45 in a Richmond clearance trial on Wednesday.

"He's pulled up great – my heart was in my mouth the whole way around," said a delighted Peter Lagogiane on Wednesday.

"It's only his second 400m back and he's probably a tenth off his best but you know what … I couldn't care less, it's just great to have him back injury free. All I wanted to see was him walk off the track in one piece – and he has."

Not seen since winning January's Group 2 Gosford Gold Cup in electrifying fashion, where he broke the track record in his heat running a remarkable 28.90, Beast Unleashed's seven-months on the sidelines is expected to come to a close when the Black Top gets underway on August 23.

"The plan is to go to the Black Top – he won't start before that," enthused Lagogiane, who is also targeting Million Dollar Chase winner Mystic Riot at the $40,000 to-the-winner feature.

"This dog (Beast Unleashed) is an unbelievable chaser. To come back from the injuries he's had, first the back muscle and then tearing the tendon right off the bone … it just shows the kind of dog he is. Hopefully we get a good run at things now, he deserves it."

Winner at 10 of his 15 starts, the 2018 Launching Pad winner ran a cracking 8.15 early in Wednesday's 400m trial at Richmond before getting home in 14.30, signalling the son of Barcia Bale is cherry-ripe for his racing return.

Meanwhile, Lagogiane informed his Golden Easter Egg runner-up Federal Lilly is back to light galloping as she continues to work her way back from injury.