David Hayes remains hopeful that Wookah can fulfil the promise he showed as a three-year-old and make an impact over the summer leading into the autumn next year.The son of Encosta De Lago will relaunch his career in Saturday's Rawdon Handicap (1300m) at Sandown after losing form last campaign.He has won only once in 13 starts but was competitive in the spring last year when he contested a series of key lead-up races before finishing fifth to Rebel Raider in the Victoria Derby.Hayes said Wookah
David Hayes remains hopeful that Wookah can fulfil the promise he showed as a three-year-old and make an impact over the summer leading into the autumn next year.
The son of Encosta De Lago will relaunch his career in Saturday's Rawdon Handicap (1300m) at Sandown after losing form last campaign.
He has won only once in 13 starts but was competitive in the spring last year when he contested a series of key lead-up races before finishing fifth to Rebel Raider in the Victoria Derby.
Hayes said Wookah was gelded earlier this year but the benefits weren't immediately transferred to the track.
"He was still feeling the effects of being a colt for a while after being gelded and he also hurt his back last preparation," Hayes said.
Hayes has nominated Wookah a number of times and earlier this month scratched him when he drew wide at Sale.
He has drawn the outside gate (14) again on Saturday but Hayes is prepared to take his chances with the four-year-old.
"He needs to kick off and we can't wait any longer," Hayes said.
"I think he will start off fresh and good and hopefully he is in for a nice preparation."
Chris Symons will ride Wookah while Danny Nikolic will partner the Danny O'Brien-trained Iamzeus who is also resuming.
Like Wookah, Iamzeus promised a lot as a three-year-old but wasn't quite mature enough to capitalise on his ability.
Last autumn he missed a start in the Australian Guineas and also a trip to Sydney for the Carbine Club Stakes.
O'Brien also had Emirates Stakes hopes for the four-year-old this spring but is now pursuing a much less demanding path.
The son of O'Reilly has raced seven times and won his race debut at Geelong in September last year and scored at Flemington on March 14.