Nadal will make his much-anticipated return to the races this Saturday.
And the stable says he can definitely win, despite the long break.
The Ciaron Maher-trained sprinter marked himself as a potential Group 1 contender of the future when he scorched past the likes of Baraqiel, Rey Magnerio and Arkansaw Kid to win the first edition of The Meteorite (1200m) in blistering fashion at Cranbourne in November.
He then finished midfield in The Supernova over 1400 metres in December before injury curtailed any thoughts of an autumn campaign.
“He has come back really well,” assistant trainer Jack Turnbull told The Verdict podcast.
“He went out due to knee issues and had a long break.
“He has come back through Ballarat and then prepped up at Fingal.
“We have given him time.”
And it appears to have worked wonders.
“At the moment, you wouldn’t even know he’s had any history there,” Turnbull said.
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Nadal will contest the Barastoc Handicap over 1100 metres (Race 4) at Caulfield this Saturday and the market is largely expecting him to pick up from where he left off.
Turnbull said it wouldn’t shock if he did.
“Without a doubt. He is just a good horse,” he said.
“He has got the ability to quicken up where (other) horses can’t, so long as the race is run truly enough.
“He’ll be back, there is no doubt, but he’ll be there for one crack and hopefully he can get over the top of them because he does fly fresh.”
Turnbull said Nadal’s performance on Saturday would largely dictate where he ran next.
“He is here off one jumpout, so there is good improvement to come,” he said.
“You’re naturally looking at a Schillaci, or possibly even a Gilgai.
“We’ll just see.
“If the rain does fall, then that is a huge plus.”
WATCH: Nadal’s blistering win in The Meteorite