Convict Sam showed enough staying potential as a younger horse to warrant a start in the VRC St Leger at Flemington.
But when preparing for a return to racing as a four-year-old, the curse of many horses, a tendon injury, struck and sent Convict Sam to the sidelines for two years.
Convict Sam heads to Flemington on Saturday to run in the George Watson Handicap (2000m) and will be in search of a winning hat-trick after successive Sandown victories.
Trainer Archie Alexander says if it was not for the patience of one of the part-owners John Allen and his dedication, it is unlikely the gelding would have made it back to the track.
Convict Sam is lining up for his fourth start since being struck down with his tendon problem.
Alexander said after Convict Sam won at Sandown in November that not many owners would give a horse two years off and then see them return to win in town.
That’s what Convict Sam did, and he followed that up with another win over 1800m on December 15.
Alexander expects the 2000m to be ideal for Convict Sam and while he again creeps up in weight, the trainer has again called on an apprentices 3kg claim, this time through Alana Kelly who replaces Josh Richards.
“We’re very happy with him and he’s done nothing wrong,” Alexander told RSN.
“He keeps on improving and everytime the handicapper puts him up in the weights, we try and get a claim, or more of a claim.
“This time we’ve gone for Alana. She’s riding really well, and she takes a bit of weight off.
“He’s actually quite a big horse, so if a horse could lump a weight, it is him, but everytime you get penalised for winning a race, it is nice to be able to claim and stay half-a-step ahead of the handicap.”
Alexander likes the idea of starting Convict Sam on the big track at Flemington as he does the trip.
“The 2000 metres won’t be a problem. A bit of extra ground, it will all suit him really well,” Alexander said.