Shaun Mcgruddy’s spell on the sidelines ends after making a quicker than expected recovery from a back injury.
The experienced hoop anticipated being out of action for up to eight weeks, but makes his return after a month’s absence.
“I’ve come back a lot earlier,” McGruddy told The Races WA.
“Along with cortisone injections I did a heap of swimming.
“Through my manager (Tim Geers) I was put in contact with Chris Perkins who is the head physio at the West Coast Eagles.
“I rested for the first two weeks, but since have spent a lot of time in the water doing exercises.
“I reckon I will be close to 100 per cent by Saturday.”
McGruddy’s back has plagued him in recent times. It proved costly last year when he missed the winning ride on Ex Sport Man in the Karrakatta Plate (1200m).
Before his latest set back he was in top form with a treble after kicking home Sluice Box, Gates Of Babylon and Saturday’s Belmont Guineas fancy, Rokanori.
Sluice Box is one of McGruddy’s four mounts on the weekend; he also partners Watch Me Dance, Ex Sport Man and Beads.
He says Sluice Box and Beads are top winning hopes, but believes the latter faces a harder task against older horses.
