The Gong another stepping stone in Victorious comeback

After beginning the preparation with tempered expectations, the team behind Amor Victorious are increasingly confident he can regain his top-level form as he works his way back from dual knee operations.

The gelding captured the Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) last year, but following his run in the 2024 Five Diamonds (1800m), he required surgery on both knees.

Bjorn Baker’s racing manager, Luke Hilton, said they eased him into the new campaign, though the horse’s progress suggested the rehabilitation had gone to plan.

“It’s just something we’ve got to manage,” Hilton said.

“We were guarded when he came back as to how we’d go with him. But he’s been good, and his trials have been good.

“We’d like a little bit of rain to make it softer and a bit easier on him, but he’s really well.”

Amor Victorious will take his place alongside Sandpaper in Saturday’s $1 million Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange, resuming earlier this month with a solid eighth behind Jimmysstar in the Russell Balding Stakes (1300m).

He has since trialled again, and although stretching out to a mile second-up poses some difficulty, the stable hopes he can lay a strong platform ahead of next month’s The Ingham (1600m).

“He’s had plenty of work,” Hilton said.

“Second-up to the mile is going to be a bit of an issue. He will definitely take even more benefit out of the run.

“But he’s got a lovely gate (barrier one), and he’ll be able to put himself right there and will be in it for a long way.”

Sandpaper steps out third-up and has been building steadily.

While drawn in gate 11, Hilton believes he is poised to run well after a wide trip when seventh in the Ladies’ Day Cup (1500m) at Hawkesbury.

“He went forward and toughed it out really well. It was only the last hundred he got tired,” he said.

“He’s ready to peak third-up. Tricky gate, but he’s going well.”

Last year’s Gong hero Gringotts dominates markets at $2.10, with Amor Victorious at $10 and Sandpaper a $31 outsider.