Cassiel finally looks ready to show worth at Kembla Grange meeting

He hasn’t been seen since an initial autumn campaign, and already has had one spring false start through wet weather, but flying four-year-old Cassiel is ready to rock when he returns at Thursday’s feature Kembla Grange meeting.

And this time connections mean business, with Cassiel resuming as a gelding and carrying a string of gear changes for a competitive Benchmark 64 Hcp over 1000m.

A mixture of ability and wayward manners earlier this year against provincial and metropolitan opposition meant Cassiel was quickly put away after three runs.

Sired by Irish flyer Harry Angel, he was a very impressive debut winner at Wyong back in March before losing his way in two subsequent runs prior to spelling.

But a decision to geld him and introduce several gear changes looks to have flicked the switch back on, judging from the way he bolted in the second of two recent trials, running a fast 33.16 seconds for his final 600m, and leaving talented Listed-winning mare Commemorative in his wake.

Cassiel was due to return at last Thursday’s washed-out Hawkesbury meeting, but finally gets his chance to remind racegoers what he’s got under the bonnet, with Rory Hutchings the new jockey.

The Kembla track was rated well into Heavy range through Wednesday, but clearing weather suggests the meeting could start on a Heavy 8, or may even get to a Soft 7.

Despite being unproven in rain-affected ground, Cassiel did bolt in a Soft 7 trial at Rosehill late last year.