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| Sumita Pawar |
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The Masked Crusader has returned to work and is being prepared for an attack at the carnival.
After enduring eighteen months of frustration, the associates of the Masked Crusader are confident that they have finally identified the problem that has been impeding their Group One-winning sprinter. This discovery has sparked optimism for the upcoming spring season.
After undergoing thorough testing, co-trainer Michael Hawkes announced that the Masked Crusader, a rising 7YO sprinter, had been diagnosed with a throat problem. Fortunately, this issue has been successfully addressed through surgery.
Currently, Masked Crusader has resumed training in preparation for the upcoming spring season. Hawkes is optimistic that the horse will regain its previous winning form.
Unlocking His Potential: Throat Operation Reveals Hidden Key
“He’s had a throat operation so we’ve finally, hopefully, found the key to him,” Michael Hawkes said.
“The last twelve or eighteen months we scratched our head a bit and we didn’t really know why and how. Once we investigated a lot more, we finally found it.
“Stranger things have happened and hopefully it is the turning point and why he’s been running disappointingly.
“We all know the ability he’s got, he’s got plenty of it. Hopefully, now he can get it together.”
After an impressive second-place finish to Nature Strip in 2021 The Everest, Masked Crusader has faced difficulties in maintaining his top form consistently.
During the previous spring season, he did display flashes of brilliance despite not securing a victory. This included a close third-place finish behind Lost And Running and Mazu in the Premiere Stakes, as well as a narrow defeat of just over three lengths in Giga Kick's Everest.
According to Hawkes, Masked Crusader has returned in excellent physical condition. Although there is no set timeline for his comeback, he is impressing the team with his performance.
“He’s a little bit away yet,” Hawkes said.
“But there’s no rush, we will build him up nice and easy and he’ll be back at the trials soon.
“This prep, it’s all about just trying to win a race, trying to get a win on the board and get his form back.”