Hopfgarten Fit For Recognition Assignment

Promising galloper Hopfgarten has recovered from an injury scare and is expected to be hard to beat as he chases another black-type win at Doomben on Saturday.

Hopfgarten, who has won two Group Three races, made a sensational return to racing when three-deep without cover in winning at Doomben on November 1.

However, he was well below his best when ninth behind Sir Moments at the Gold Coast two weeks ago.

Trainer Robert HeathcoteTrainer Robert Heathcote

"Initially we were a bit disappointed but he had a little muscle problem in his back. We have treated it and he has come up well," trainer Robert Heathcote.

"I would be disappointed if he didn't race much better on Saturday."

Heathcote will make a final decision on a trip to Sydney with Hopfgarten for the Group Two Villiers Stakes on December 13 after Saturday's run.

As is the case with several Recognition runners, Hopfgarten has been helped by Mouro accepting for the Recognition.

Mouro was allocated 61kg, compressing the weights for well-performed Brisbane horses like Hopfgarten.

Michael Cahill was booked for Mouro before the horse was scratched on Wednesday night to run in the Festival Stakes at Rosehill.

"Having Mouro accept has certainly helped Hopfgarten and few others with the weights," Heathcote said.

In a revised market after Mouro's scratching Hopfgarten holds down the second line of betting at $5 behind the $2.60 favourite Rudy.

Heathcote is expecting his latest Sydney staying import Mr Scary to run a bold race in the Global Transport Insurance Handicap (2200m).

"Mr Scary has had two runs up here and both have been handy," he said. "I liked the way he fought on at the Gold Coast at his last start.

"He has had three goes at the 2200 metres and run second every time. Maybe, he can go one better on Saturday."