Nine months after cheating death, handy performer Love Ina Chevy will return to the track at Tabcorp Park Melton tonight.
The Lance Justice-trained pacer was found collapsed in his paddock as the result of a suspected snake bite.
Although no snake was spotted, Love Ina Chevy had puncture wounds in his mouth and was deteriorating rapidly.
Staff battled for three days to stabilise the son of Jeremes Jet, with the major operation including placing blow-up mattresses under the gelding, a makeshift tent placed over him and constantly being massaged – even during an overnight thunderstorm.
Fast forward to this week and Love Ina Chevy is being readied for a return at Tabcorp Park on Friday night.
“He’s just a marvel to get as far as he has considering he had no right to survive,” Justice said. “After the ordeal he had three months off and has since had six months of slow, solid build up.
“I’m very happy with him, but this will be a real test once he is under racing pressure.”
Engaged in an M1, Love Ina Chevy has drawn awkwardly in barrier six, but Justice believes the five-year-old can win “with a bit of luck”.
“At this stage he is as fit as I can get him without racing,” Justice said. “That in mind, he is fit enough to win, it’s just a matter of how he handles the pressure. The draw isn’t the best, but with a bit of luck, he can complete a fairytale comeback.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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