Racing: Comeback crock still shows old spark

It will not be the richest win of her new season, but if Feu D'Amore scores in the opener at Avondale today it will rank as one of trainer Davina Waddell's most satisfying.

The 9-year-old comeback crock hasn't raced since injuring himself when a gallant fifth in Narousa's 2003 Great Northern Hurdles, just five lengths from the winner.

Ironically, Narousa's rider that day, Tom Hazlett, returns to partner Feu D'Amore, and Waddell is pretty sure the top transtasman jumps rider can go close to a fairytale result.

"I'm quietly confident with him actually," said Waddell, who has had the horse for only the last three months.

"I know the owners were pretty devastated when he broke down, but to me he's as sound as a bell now."

Feu D'Amore hasn't won a hurdle race since giving Kara Waters her first success over the sticks in 2002, but Waddell says he's lost none of his old spark in training.

"He's a tremendous jumper and he's been working pretty good too. He's definitely fit enough to win fresh-up."

Waddell is more hopeful than confident that stablemate Somerset Beau can threaten in the same race.

Although Waddell once ranked the gelding one of the most promising jumpers in the land, it's been a long road back to full fitness.

Somerset Beau was one of the worst affected by the selenium poisoning that swept through Tony Cole's yard a few years back.

"He's been a bit disappointing in his flat races so far, but his work has been exceptional. I'm just hoping the schooling I've been giving him has improved his confidence."

Waddell rates Benny Biggs in race five as her best win hope today. The 8-year-old has no winning form in eight tries over 1600m or in six attempts on heavy tracks.

But as long as the track's not too puggy, Waddell is confident that Chad Ormsby's claim against a moderate line-up could be all the course specialist needs to make the breakthrough today.

"As long as the track's not too puggy he's my best hope on the day, there's no question about that," said Waddell.

"He's fit, drawn one and hasn't raced for a while so the 1600m at this stage should be ideal."