TAREE mare Sheza Gypsy is on the comeback trail to a possible tilt at The Championships at Royal Randwick at Taree Wingham Race Club's "Santa Comes Early" TAB meeting at Bushland Drive Racecourse on Sunday.
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The Michael Byers-trained four-year-old resumes racing in the Taree Racing on January 6, Benchmark 55 Handicap over 1000m and is bound to be one of the favourites.
Her racing career was delayed by a throat operation but her first test was passed with flying colours with a win on her home track.
She again won at home before finishing seventh in a race at Wyong.
"She was a tired horse at Wyong and the run can be forgiven, " Byers said.
Sheza Gypsy has been in work for 10-12 weeks and according to the trainer is "ready to hit her straps".
"Because of the throat operation, I have taken her comeback work along nice and easy.
"She hasn't grown but is probably more solid since the spell.
"She has always been a compact horse but she looks a picture and her work has been encouraging."
Byers said he had engaged Coffs Harbour jockey Raymond Spokes to take the mount as he was on her for the first win.
Depending on how she goes, he said The Championships could be in the picture.
"I am looking at the class 5 race over 1200m at Port Macquarie as a lead to The Championships.
"If she wins on Sunday, I will probably have to take her to the provincials or the city firstly."
Sheza Gypsy meets a pretty handy field of recent winners and placegetters.
DOUG RYAN'S SELECTIONS
RACE 1: Archibald 1, Shower Of Hearts 2, Element Of Luck 3.
RACE 2: Testalina 1, Il Dominatore 2, Desert Land 3.
RACE 3: Invincible Eagle 1, Nanyuki 2, Miss Tripod 3.
RACE 4: Dane's Bullet 1, On Top Gear 2, Royal Lover 3.
RACE 5: Tenebrae 1, Battalion 2, Crocea 3.
RACE 6: Electric Power 1, Tainted Love 2, Fun With Indy 3.
RACE 7: Sheza Gypsy 1, Magic Topaze 2, Vargo 3.