Trainer Matthew Smith confident Headwall is ready for Concorde Stakes

It's not every day a horse aims for consecutive victories in the same race when starting anew, but Headwall is in that exact scenario as he prepares to kick off his campaign in the Concorde Stakes at Randwick.

Having delivered a stunning performance to win the $1 million sprint a year ago, the gelding subsequently sustained a leg injury that necessitated a lengthy spell.

His return on Saturday follows a carefully managed and gradual preparation, with his trainer Matthew Smith admitting his anticipation is palpable.

"It has been a long build up. Every time you gallop him you're holding your breath," Smith shared.

"I just can't wait to get him to the races on Saturday."

"He's a horse who could win a Group One this 'prep'. He's ready to go so we'll see what happens on Saturday and he'll improve into the preparation."

Headwall has a remarkable record when fresh, securing three wins and two placings from six starts first-up. Despite this, Smith is exercising caution given the considerable time the seven-year-old has spent away from the track.

He is also acutely aware that the 1000-metre dash of the Concorde Stakes allows minimal room for misfortune or errors, though he expressed high satisfaction with Headwall's current fitness for the event.

"I think he is going as well as last year. That's where I feel he's at," Smith remarked.

"But he's had a year off, you've got to remember."

"The only thing is with these 1000 metre races, it's a scramble and you've got to be lucky. He's drawn a good barrier and I'm sure they'll go at a good gallop. We'll see where we're up to anyway. Hopefully there will be a flashing light on him going to the line."

Matthew Smith will also have Way To The Stars competing in the same race, after their planned trip to Melbourne was called off due to an unfavourable weather forecast.

"They're talking about a lot of rain on Saturday, and we just couldn't take the chance," he explained.

"We're staying here and we're being realistic about it."

The distinguished mare Idle Flyer will represent the stable in the Tramway Stakes (1400m). This follows a courageous first-up showing where she finished sixth in the Winx Stakes (1400m) behind Autumn Glow, competing against some of the country's elite gallopers.

Smith is increasingly considering aiming her for the Epsom Handicap (1600m) in October. While a mile is her preferred distance, Idle Flyer maintains a perfect record in four starts when resuming for her second run.

"Well, look out Saturday," Smith quipped.

"She was really good first-up and she has come on."

"She's potentially going to go to the Epsom now. It will be either the Seven (Stakes) or the Epsom. Once she goes to the mile, she's at her best so this is another stepping stone in that direction."

The trainer has enjoyed a stellar beginning to the season, achieving seven metropolitan victories and ranking third on the Sydney trainers' premiership standings, trailing only the highly successful Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher.

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