By Glenn Davis
Trainer Rex Lipp is hopeful the Gem Of Scotland of old can step up to win for the first time in 18 months in Saturday's Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic at Ipswich.
Gem Of Scotland was rated the state’s best three-year-old before she was badly injured and required a lengthy spell following her start in the QTIS Jewel at the Gold Coast in March last year.
Scans revealed Gem Of Scotland had broken part of her hip and would eventually make a full recovery after a lengthy spell.
“I think she did it coming out of the barriers,” Lipp said.
“We were a bit lucky when she went to Gatton as they had just bought a new scanning machine and she was the first to use it.
“Luckily she didn’t need surgery and we wrapped her up in body suits to help her heal.”
Gem Of Scotland made a low-key return in her comeback following nearly a year off to finish third to Doctor Zous at the Sunshine Coast on February 27.
Since then, Gem Of Scotland has had a further six starts to take her through the Winter Carnival with her best effort a game third to Yamazaki in the Listed Silk Stocking at the Gold Coast on May 8.
At her most recent appearance, Gem Of Scotland put in another brave performance to finish fifth to Chris Waller’s Nudge in the Magic Millions National Classic over 1600 metres at Eagle Farm on June 5.