Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Champion pacer Shockwave is fit and ready to make a successful comeback by winning the $30,000 West Australian Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night — at his first appearance for 660 days.
The WA-bred seven-year-old has made a full recovery from tendon damage and his managing part-owner Kevin Jeavons and trainer Ryan Bell are excited at his return to racing.
Shockwave, handled with patient care from Bell, has impressed in two recent trials at Pinjarra and will start from the outside barrier in a field of five.
“He was not extended in either trial, and his trial runs have been perfect,” said Bell. Shockwave rated 1.57.9 in a 2185m trial on April 20 when he finished a half-head second to his brilliant stablemate Swingband.
Then, a week later, he rated 1.58.4 when a close third behind Swingband and Wonderful To Fly when the final 400m sections were covered in 27.3sec. and 27sec.
“He damaged the digital flexor tendon in his off-side front leg after winning (from Mighty Conqueror and To Fast To Serious) at Gloucester Park in July 2021,” said Bell. “He underwent stem cell treatment and after a lengthy spell was ready to resume racing last December. But he had a few niggles and so we turned him out again.
“I’m happy with him, and regarding tactics I will tell Aiden (De Campo) to do what he thinks what is best, and how he feels and how the race is run. Five-horse races are very difficult. He has done enough miles but hasn’t done any racing for a long time.”
Fast beginner and noted frontrunner Hampton Banner looks certain to burst straight to the lead from the No. 1 barrier and there is the strong likelihood that the race will be run in Indian file.
Chris Voak, who will drive Sangue Reale from barrier two, predicted that the gelding would be “a bit stronger” this week following his second behind Magnificent Storm last Friday night. “He won’t challenge (for the lead) early, and I’ll drive him on how he feels,” he said. “If we have a cosy trip (behind Hampton Banner) I’ll consider popping off (the pegs) at the 1000m and race in the breeze.”
Arma Einstein, who impressed when he set the pace and rated 1.55.4 when he won a Group 3 2130m event from El Chema and Swingband last Friday night, will start from barrier three and is sure to make his presence felt.
Shockwave, winner of the Golden Nugget in December 2019, has earned $514,802 from 19 wins and 17 placings from 47 starts.