Palawa King will make his long-awaited Victorian debut tomorrow night at The Meadows in the Group 1 Rookie Rebel (600 metres).
This time last year he took out the Group 1 Fanta Bale Stayers (730 metres) in extraordinary fashion, running the race as if he had a jockey on his back.
The Rookie Rebel is his third start back following five months on the sidelines battling with a hip support injury.
The King’s return has been less than ideal, finishing second over 605 metres at Dubbo with his typical come from behind style and a last placing at Wentworth Park over 520 metres.
“We can’t take too much away from his run last week – it’s just not his distance,” trainer Jack Smith said.
“He pulled up good which is the main thing.”
Palawa King has landed box one in the Group 1 Rookie Rebel.
“Box one is always handy, but he does his running in the back end of his races,” Smith said.
“We aren’t going in with the expectation of a win, but he is fit to race.”
The King is a five-time Group 1 winner, with $1.1 million in the bank.
The Rookie Rebel is race eight on the Meadows program.
