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Knight Mariner set for miracle comeback

11 February 2022

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By Glenn Davis

Trainer Tony Gollan will have several runners at Doomben on Saturday, but most of the interest will centre on the comeback of talented gelding Knight Mariner.

Knight Mariner steps out for the first time in 20 months in the male's division of the No Metropolitan Handicap over 1350 metres.

The five-year-old hasn’t raced since fracturing his pelvis when second in the Group 3 Winx Guineas at the Sunshine Coast in July, 2020.

Knight Mariner hit the lead in the closing stages of the Winx Guineas and looked the winner until the Jack Duncan-trained Wapiti fought back to beat him.

Gollan’s initial thoughts were Knight Mariner suffered a soft tissue injury but his worst fears were realised when he was sent for x-rays to the Gatton vet clinic.

Gollan’s apprentice at the time Baylee Nothdurft reported he felt something went amiss with Knight Mariner about 150 metres out.

“He didn’t need an operation and just needed time and rest to get over it,” Gollan said.

“He hasn’t raced for more than 18 months but we’ve got him to where we want and he should race well.”

Knight Mariner’s fractured pelvis wasn’t the only issue Gollan had to contend with during his recuperation.

“He had another little bone issue in a hind leg which meant he had to have more time off,” he said.

Gollan is pleased with Knight Mariner’s progress since returning to work and has given him three barrier trials.

“He’s been off the scene a long time but he’s had three trials over 1000 metres and he’s coming along well,” Gollan said.

“I’ve always had a good opinion of him and I just want to see how he handles the pressure of racing before deciding where to go with him next.”

Gollan had earmarked Knight Mariner as his Queensland Derby horse two years ago but the race was scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Knight Mariner is a son of Tavistock and is the first foal of the winning O’Reilly mare Soltina who is a half-sister to the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes winner Captivate.

Gollan has accepted with seven runners at Doomben and is hopeful of strong performances from all.