Sibaaq back and ready for the Winter Challenge

The Winter Challenge will be a campaign starting point for Sibaaq, but Annabel Neasham is looking for a bold performance as the import bids to reignite his career after a lacklustre autumn.

Placed in the Five Diamonds Prelude and the Big Dance last spring, Sibaaq just missed out on a $2 million payday when a narrow second to Ellsberg in the Five Diamonds in November.

Neasham was hoping for more of the same after the gelding returned with a solid fourth to Think About It in the Liverpool City Cup at Randwick in February, but Sibaaq’s subsequent form tapered off.

“He had a really good spring. He didn’t actually win a race, but he won about $800,000 just by placing in those Five Diamond Preludes and the Big Dance,” Neasham said on Sky Racing radio.

“He ran really well in the Liverpool City Cup and then was disappointing second up.

“He just hadn’t quite come up so we tipped him out and we started again.

“He may need the run on Saturday but that being said, looking at the nominations I think he’ll be really competitive and he does run well fresh.

“I’ll be disappointed if he isn’t fighting out the finish.”

Sibaaq has drawn barrier six in Saturday’s Listed Winter Challenge (1500m) at Rosehill, the final stakes race of the Sydney season.

Group 3 winner Sweet Ride will jump from gate seven for Neasham in the July Sprint (1100m), returning to Sydney after resuming with a closing fourth in the Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on July 8.

He captured the San Domenico Stakes over Saturday’s course and distance and Neasham expected him to strip fitter for his first-up run.

“He’s had a wind op and come back much better for it,” she said.

“That was a terrific run at Caulfield, he came very wide around the turn and wasn’t beaten far.

“Second up he’ll only be improved for having one run under his belt.”

The pair will be among four Rosehill runners for Neasham, along with last start winners Token Capitalist in the TAB Handicap (1500m) and Manbehindthemoney, who extends to 2400m for the first time in the Kia Ora Prague Handicap.