By Garry Dell
Townsville training family the McGuires are keeping their fingers crossed for a remarkable comeback for one-time Northern Cups hope Tears To Glory at Cluden Park on Saturday.
The seven-year-old New Zealand-bred gelding has been off the racing scene for more than two years after chipping a sesamoid in a race at Cluden .
He will resume in a Benchmark 60 Handicap over 1000 metres with top weight of 63.5kg and in-form jockey Carl Spry in the saddle.
Father Patrick McGuire, wife Michelle and trainer son Matthew purchased the horse from the Victorian yard of Patrick Payne.
"We bought him as a potential Cups horse as he showed good form over longer distances in Victoria," Patrick McGuire said.
"You wouldn't see a better horse anywhere; he's a lovely big animal and a pleasure to do anything with.
"We've given him plenty of rest and time to recover and he's shown us he's ready to go back on the track.
"He's highly rated at 69 but we couldn't find another suitable race other than tomorrow to bring him back.
"During his break we would bring him in to the stable for a short time and put him back out again to give the injury plenty of time to heal.
"He's been in work for three months and had a jump out the other day.
"Saturday's race will obviously be too short for him but he's ready to go back on the track and if he comes through okay we'll press ahead with plans to chase the longer events over the winter carnivals up here.
"He's by a sire called He's Remarkable so it would be great if the stars align and he can finish off and come through safe and well."
Jockey Spry is in a rich vein of form having ridden five winners from his past 12 rides at Cluden.
With the injured Graham Kliese still on the recovery road, Spry has picked up winning rides on Higher Realm and the brilliant Ruby July as well as winning on two-year-old Floral Code for partner trainer Sarah Acornley.
Matthew McGuire will saddle up Inner Spirit in the same race as Tears To Glory on Saturday with apprentice Isabella Teh in the saddle.
Teh is also in winning form since making Townsville her "home" base last year.
Spry and Teh will clash again in the Open Handicap 1000 metres on Higher Realm (trained by Roy Chillemi) and Sylvester (Sharlee Hoffman), who are both chasing hat-tricks.