COMEBACK trotter Coolbreeze completed an impressive return to racing during the weekend.
First-up since last February, Coolbreeze overcame a 10-metre handicap to score at Port Pirie for trainer Lane Johnson.
Thrilled with the gelding’s performance, Johnson is confident the pacing-bred son of Jeremes Jet can make his way through the grades this preparation – providing he stays sound!
“He was meant to be a pacer, but all he has ever wanted to do it trot,” Johnson said. “He did a top little job as a two-year-old then had 20 months off after having an operation on his fetlock and hocks to remove bone chips.
“The time off did him well as he came back even better and won his last four starts before feeling terrible at Kapunda last February.
“That resulted in another operation to take bone chips out of his opposite hock.
“I couldn’t be happier with the way he has come back this time and have no doubt he can put together a few more wins if he can stay sound.”
With Johnson holding the reins during his latest victory, Coolbreeze settled midfield early before eventually using the sprint lane to account for Cold Crusher and Truscott Hall in 2:04.1 over 2050 metres.
“Going on his work I knew he was ready to run a good race,” Johnson said. “He will definitely improve from the run and be better next time around.
“At around 16.3 hands he is a big lump of a thing, but very quiet and docile.
“I will check the program for him and see what’s around, but long term I plan to head over to Victoria with him to see if he can pick up a race there.”
