Former Derby Hope On Way Back At Flemington

Another step on the comeback path is scheduled for San Diego in the G3 Guvera Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, October 31.

A one-time Derby aspirant who wasn't far behind his celebrated G1 Caulfield Guineas-winning stablemate Long John as a three-year-old, San Diego was unable to build on his early promise due to injury.

But trainer John O'Shea believes he is again approaching the form that won him successive races as a two-year-old and earned him his Derby start at three.

At his best, San Diego ran the subsequent G1 Victoria Derby winner Polanski to a head in the G3 Norman Robinson Stakes at Caulfield before finding the classic distance beyond him at his next start.

After a summer break, the son of Exceed And Excel returned as an Autumn three-year-old only to suffer an injury that put him out of action for the next year.

On his return to racing San Diego quickly found his form, winning first-up at Rosehill in February and ending his preparation with a third placing in the Listed Scone Cup.

"We brought him back a few weeks ago and I thought he did well to finish second at Randwick," O'Shea said.

"I've been really happy with him since then and he's ready to run well, although I think gate one could present a few issues for us.

"He's going well, it looks a nice race for him, but he's going to need a lot of luck from that gate."

San Diego appears to be otherwise suited by the conditions of Saturday's race in which he will carry the limit weight of 54kg.

Among his rivals are the well-credentialed Disposition and the multiple Stakes winner Messene.