The winner of seven of his 20 career starts fractured a cannon bone following a win at Oamaru in July last year, and Wingatui trainer Paul Richards brought him back into work in early June.
''He went along all right - he's been in work for a long time, but that's his first serious hit-out,'' Richards said.
Richards was keeping a close eye on the 6yr-old's legs after the trials, and the next step will become clearer after the son of Seasoned Star is checked out today.
''We'll know a bit more tomorrow once he cools down, but he looks sound.
''Hopefully, he holds together.''
A Coats Choice-Monsanto filly impressed, winning her 800m heat by five lengths.
''It's a full-sister to Natuzzi, so she's obviously inherited a bit of his speed.
''But it's early days for her yet. We're in no hurry to take her anywhere. Probably another trial or jumpout somewhere [will be next]. She might even have a break and get ready for Christmas or after Christmas.''
Richards was confident of a handy run from the 3yr-old with stable rider Doni Prastiyou on board, but the 800m gallop in 52.2sec pleased Richards and co-owners Bill and Sandra Duell.
''She has shown a bit on the track, but it's a different ball game from track gallops to trials, and another different ball game from trials to race day,'' Richards said.
There was plenty of form to follow out of the open 800m heat, as Valiant beat home Recording by one length, with News Flash two lengths further adrift and Chapel Star not far off in fourth.
Valiant's co-trainer, Brian Anderton, said the gelding was about three weeks away from a race start, although he did not have a particular race in mind.
Chapel Star bided his time in the open 800m heat, but his trainer, Terry Kennedy, was very pleased with the son of King's Chapel. Kennedy said the gelding was further forward than last year, and he was a naturally lazy galloper until the blinkers went on.
Chapel Star will tackle an open handicap field over 1100m at Wingatui on September 28 as he works towards the New Zealand Cup carnival in November.
Princess Brook gave the White Robe Lodge stallion Raise The Flag another boost when winning her 600m heat in 39.7 by half a length over Thewayiam. The 2yr-old filly out of 2008 Welcome Stakes winner Lesley Brook looks set to run early in her career, too, as Kennedy has a $12,500 race over 800m at Riccarton on September 21 pinpointed for Princess Brook.
Bailey Kennedy, the son of Terry and Debbie Kennedy, showed balance and poise when riding Alfie's Belle to a two-length win in a maiden 800m heat.
Alfie's Belle is prepared by Alex Freeman at Wingatui, who has a 1000m maiden at Gore on September 30 in his sights for the son of Gold Centre.
Stipendiary steward Mark Davidson said 17 of the 20 horses seeking their barrier certificates gained clearance. The trials attracted 53 horses in total.
Results.- Weather, cloudy; track, heavy. Maiden/inexperienced 600m: Princess Brook C Johnson 1; Thewayiam 2; 2f Raise The Flag-Shalaka 3. Five started. Time, 39.7. L, L. Trainer, T Kennedy.
Maiden 800m: Alfie's Belle B Kennedy 1; Barter 2; 3f King's Chapel-Solo Star 3. Six started. Time, 50.9. 2L, hd. Trainer, A Freeman.
Maiden 800m: 3g Coats Choice-Bromista S Kelly 1; 3g Alamosa-Kapastar 2; Avow 3. Six started. Time, 51.8. hd, lg nk. Trainer, P Richards.
Maiden 1000m: 3g Gallant Guru-Danann C Barnes 1; Lykabettus 2; 3g Gallant Guru-Cochlea 3. Five started. Time, 1.05.5. Trainer, B & S Anderton.
Maiden, 1000m: Voussoir C Johnson 1; 4m Yamanin Vital-Itjustgot Personal 2; 3f Gallant Guru-Norval Smytzer 3. Five started. Time, 1.05.5. Hd, ns. Trainer, T Kennedy.
Maiden 1000m: Include C Barnes 1; Elegant Crossing 2; Lowe Flyer 3. Six started. Time, 1.04.9. hd, L.
Open 800m: Valiant T Direen 1; Recording 2; News Flash 3. Four started. Time, 50.31. 1L, 2L. Trainer, B & S Anderton.
Open 1000m: Anzac Star D Prastiyou 1; Moneyorthebox 2; Swami 3. Six started. Time, 1.04.0. 1 L, 4L. Trainer, P Richards.
