Ricciardo Flying Ahead Of Racetrack Return

FLYING Ricciardo will make his eagerly awaited return to racing at Maitland this Monday night.

The superstar son of Barcia Bale has drawn box one in a 450 metre free-for-all event where he'll start an unbackable favourite against just five opposition.

The Maitland appearance, which will begin his journey towards next month's heats of the Group 1 Golden Easter Egg, is Flying Ricciardo's first start since defeating Simon Told Helen in the Group 1 Dapto Megastar in December.

Trainer Kristy Sultana then ventured to Melbourne with her prized charge for a tilt at the Group 1 Silver Chief at The Meadows before electing to abandon those plans due to injury.

Winner at 19 of his 23 starts and almost $250,000 in prizemoney, Flying Ricciardo has been burning up the tracks in anticipation for his racetrack return.

It's understood the regally bred sprinter recently posted an electrifying 22.19 for the 400 metres at Richmond, just a whisker outside the long standing 22.18 track record.

Tab.com.au currently have Flying Ricciardo at $11 in all-in betting for the Group 1 Golden Easter Egg (520m) which gets underway at Wentworth Park on March 20.

The current favourite is Wow at $10 while Million Dollar Chase winner Handsome Prince is on the next line at $12 with Shima Shine.