Freakish youngster back from career-threatening injury

MONTHS after injury threatened to end his career, star young trotter Plymouth Chubb is poised to make his return.

Controversially overlooked as Victorian Horse of the Year, Plymouth Chubb has been sidelined since capturing the Vicbred Super Series – his fourth Group One of the season – on New Year’s Eve.

Along with his top shelf victories, Plymouth Chubb was triumphant at Group Two and Three level on his way to 14 wins from 15 starts.

The Peter Manning-trained son of Majestic Son also set the record for the most consecutive wins by a two-year-old squaregaiter.

Found to have fractured a pastern bone after the Vicbred, it was initially feared Plymouth Chubb’s career may be over, but successful surgery and time to recover have the gelding poised to race at Tabcorp Park Melton on Tuesday.

“He had almost six months off before the vets gave him the all clear to start work,” Manning said. “There’s been no sign of any trouble in his leg so we’re pressing on.

“It’s been a long slow preparation with him, but he is starting to tighten up and will be ready for his return.”

Plymouth Chubb’s comeback will be in a Need For Speed Prince heat, where the three-year-old has drawn seven – the outside of the front row.

“The draw isn’t great, but he’s used to that,” Manning said. “He’s only drawn closer to the pegs than barrier three twice and most of the time he’s in five or worse.

“He’ll need this run in the heat but he is forward enough to win.

“Whatever he does this time around he will be better for the Final and beyond.”