Stradbroke Hcp winner River Lad is back in pre-training in preparation for the Melbourne Spring Carnival.
River Lad is at Washpool Lodge, a spelling complex north of Brisbane, where he has been able to take advantage of the water walker to regain fitness.
Trainer Natalie McCall said River Lad was likely to return to the stable shortly to prepare for a southern campaign beginning with the Gilgai Stakes in early October.
"At this stage we hope to run him in the Gilgai Stakes on October 4 before looking at the big group sprints," McCall said.
River Lad's win in Queensland's premier race was complemented by a second to grand mare Appearance in the Expressway Stakes in Sydney during the autumn and victory in the BRC Sprint.
