Good Juan On The ‘Straight' And Narrow For Return

THE return to racing of the much maligned Good Juan has added even greater intrigue to the inaugural Richmond straight track meeting this Saturday morning.

The enigmatic stayer is a surprise entry on the bumper 12 race card, set to make his racetrack return in race seven, a grade 3 event over 324 metres.

It will also be the son of Barcia Bale's first start back in the care of trainer Harry Sarkis after serving stints with both Darren Fisher and Jason Mackay.

And while optimistic of a forward performance, Sarkis says Saturday's hit-out will be the immensely talented chaser's first look at the brand new Richmond straight track.

"Saturday's run is just about kicking things off and begin rebuilding his confidence – he needs it," Sarkis said.

"He's never been to the Richmond straight but he trials a lot at Redhead (trial track) and always runs the best time of the day. And when he goes with other dogs he's never been beaten up there either.

"He always used to break 21 seconds in trials at Appin as well so the straight isn't a problem. But Saturday's run is just a chance to get him back racing."

Richmond Fields and Form Saturday

It was back in June last year that Good Juan wowed racing fans with his astonishing last to first winning performance at Wentworth Park.

The gravity of the victory was so spectacular that it made mainstream news bulletins and rated on social media channels up with champion mare Winx's final race start.

But sadly for connections, highlights have been few and far between since that night, including catching the ire of Stewards on more than one occasion.

"He's never given me any headaches so I'm just hoping he gets back to how he was going for me before," Sarkis said.

"I've had issues with his groin and thyroid which I've had to get on top of so I've just brought him along slowly.

"But when he's right I've got no doubt he's the fastest dog on the planet."

The last time Good Juan was seen at the races was at Angle Park in January when soundly beaten as an even money favourite.

"Since he's returned I've just gone back to square one with him," Sarkis said.

"I know the dog inside out and I'm happy with where he's at. But on Saturday against seven other dogs it's hard to say what he'll do.

"It's just trial and error for now but the weekend's run is a good start for him.”