The Odyssey fit for Doomben return

The Odyssey is ready for his assignment in the Prelude to the 3YO Jewel ahead of the $500,000 race.

The Odyssey is not a noted first-up performer but trainer Kelly Schweida believes the gelding is the fittest he has been for a return to racing.

The Odyssey will resume in the QTIS Three-Year-Old The Jewel Plate Prelude (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday.

He will be having his first start since being unplaced in the QTIS Magic Millions race on January 11 after running third in a race won by top three-year-old Alligator Blood.

The Odyssey has not had a trial but Schweida is more than happy with his condition.

“He can come back from a break looking pretty big. But this time he has only had a short break and he is the fittest he had probably been for a first up race,” Schweida said.

“The Odyssey has had a jump-out but no trial. He has drawn well and this looks a nice race to start off.”

The prospect of rain on Saturday will not hurt The Odyssey who won the $500,000 Two-Year-Old The Jewel last year and looks well placed at set weights on Saturday.

His next start after Saturday will be in the $300,000 Three-Year-Old The Jewel on March 14.

Apprentice Stephanie Thornton picked up the ride on The Odyssey when Schweida thought regular jockey Jim Orman would ride Gem of Scotland who was not an acceptor.