Menazzi bouncing back from injuries

By Glenn Davis

Had it not been for a series of early injuries trainer Stuart Kendrick believes Menazzi would have made the grade at Group level.

Instead, Menazzi is stuck in restricted class and will be striving for his fifth win of his career in the Class 4 Handicap at Eagle Farm on Wednesday.

Kendrick also accepted with Half Crown in the Class 4 but is unsure if he’ll start after drawing the outside barrier of 14.

The six-year-old Menazzi was a $85,000 buy at the Magic Millions yearling sales and has a prizemoney haul of more than $256,000.

However, Kendrick feels it could have been far greater had it not been for a series of injuries suffered by the son of Pride Of Dubai early in his career.

Menazzi was injured in the Group 1 Queensland Derby when he beat one home behind the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained Pinarello in 2022.

He had previously placed in the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate.

“He tore a chest muscle in the Derby and it was quite nasty, so he needed a long time off,” Kendrick said.

Menazzi returned from his injury enforced break for a summer campaign but was injured again on Melbourne Cup day at Eagle Farm in November of 2022.

“He was injured on Melbourne Cup day that year and we thought it was a cut and would heal,” Kendrick said.

“But, it turned out to be a whack on the leg and he had to have part of his splint bone removed.”

Kendrick believes the injury setbacks have taken its toll which is one reason he has struggled to regain his early promise as a three-year-old.

“He’s always had a lot of ability but it’s unfortunate he’s had those injuries early in his career,” Kendrick said.

“He’s like a footballer coming back from a serious injury.”

Menazzi was sent to Rockhampton for his first-up run this campaign when he beat two home in a 1200 metre Benchmark race on April 22.

“He got back and it was probably too short for him up there,” Kendrick said.

“I think 1600 to 1800 metres is his best distance so we might target the Rockhampton Cup.

“I’ve never won the Rocky Cup but I’ve had a few placings and ran third in it last year with Under The Cap.”