Trainer Mitch Beer is hoping jockey John Kissick's first day back in the saddle on two gallopers having their first start for the stable proves to be a good omen at Wagga on Thursday.
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Kissick is set to resume his riding career after missing more than three-and-a-half years with a fractured vertebrae.
The talented hoop has spent the past 12 months working for Beer riding trackwork as well as other duties around the stable.
Beer was more than happy to support Kissick's long-awaited comeback by given him the opportunity on two mounts at Wagga.
"It has been well publicised what John has been through and he has been working hard and is determined to make the most of his second chance," Beer said.
"As far as his ability, he was the equal of any jockey in the SDRA before his accident.
"I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him get back to that level in a short period of time.
"I've seen first-hand how much he has progressed from starting off in trackwork to be back riding in trials.
"I'm confident he will give both my runners every chance and hopefully they are good enough to win on the day."
IN OTHER NEWS
Kissick's first ride is in the opening race aboard Yulong Power in the $12,000 Maiden Hcp, (1050m).
Yulong Power is only a recent addition and is having his first start for the stable after previously being trained by Peter and Paul Snowden.
The three-year-old gelding had three runs for Snowden's in his only preparation.
"He had two nice runs and then started as favourite against Russian Camelot in a maiden at Ballarat where he went poorly and was sent for a spell," he said.
"He had a trial at Albury last Friday and finished third behind Lord Von Costa which I was happy with.
"Probably the biggest query is the distance and he looks to be more of a 1400-1600m type of horse to me.
"But from the gate (4) and if he runs up to his trial the other day he should prove hard to beat."
Kissick will also partner stablemate Kentucky Wildcat in the $12,000 Benchmark 68 Hcp, (1050m) and is also a new addition to the stable.
Kentucky Wildcat was previously trained by Anthony Cummings and finished midfield at Randwick earlier this month at her most recent start.
Beer said he purchased Kentucky Wildcat as a broodmare and she will head to the breeding barn later this year.
"I purchased her out of the recent broodmare sales in Sydney and she has a booking at Widden Stud," he said.
"But I thought I could take advantage of her race fitness considering her last start was at Randwick less than two weeks ago.
"She got beat just over four lengths is a relatively strong city race.
"So she drops in class and faces a much easier assignment at Wagga and looks to be pretty well placed in this sort of grade."
The feature on the six race card is the $12,000 Young Cup, (1660m).
The Andrew Dale-trained Parliament looks the testing material.