KEY POINTS:
Xcellent's rebuilt legs are so far okay after the wonder galloper's first serious comeback test in a jumpout at Matamata yesterday morning.
The six-from-nine galloping machine went 800m at speed with Queensland Oaks hopeful Eskimo Queen and trainers Mike and Paul Moroney were delighted and relieved after a
physical inspection.
Xcellent has not raced since finishing third to Makybe Diva and On A Jeune in the 2005 Melbourne Cup.
Eskimo Queen and Xcellent galloped the 800m in a straight line with another stablemate, Lionstar, the starting stalls being placed at the end of the 1600m chute in the back straight.
Xcellent jumped quicker than usual to stay with Eskimo Queen, the pair finishing together after clocking 47.5, dropping off the one-win Lionstar.
"That was the fastest I've seen Xcellent jump from the gates," said Paul Moroney.
"It was a decent hitout and he went evenly and easily throughout."
Rider Michael Coleman said Xcellent had a decent blow after the gallop, which he said he definitely needed at the current stage of his preparation.
"He felt great," said Coleman.
Xcellent had his legs packed in ice bandages immediate after veterinarian Jim Marks had inspected him.
"Jim was happy and all the signs are good - not that you'd be able to tell immediately if something was wrong," said Moroney.
Xcellent was due to fly to Brisbane next Thursday for a possible first-up tilt at the A$1 million ($1.14 million) Stradbroke Handicap, but that flight has been put back to May 23.
"That has put a spanner in the works, but it has also worked in our favour.
"We've now decided we're better off doing the work on him at home and we've booked him on a Brisbane flight on June 8, the day before the Stradbroke.
"IRT are looking at the possibility of having that rescheduled for the previous day.
"He was going over with Eskimo Queen, who is headed to the Oaks, and our Derby hope Resolution, neither of whom would be any use to him in the type of work they'd be doing over there.
"So many times you get over there and you can't find suitable galloping partners, so we're better off at home.
"In 13 days' time he can have a searching jump-out, this time possibly over 1000m, then a gallop between races at Ellerslie on June 2.
"Then if we're not happy he's in the right shape for the Stradbroke, he can stay home, or if it's wet in Brisbane we wouldn't be bothered going over.
"The whole thing fits pretty well."
If Xcellent does not travel to Brisbane, he will have a barrier trial at home and tick over steadily waiting for spring racing and the $2 million Kelt Capital Stakes.
Damien Oliver has confirmed he will ride Eskimo Queen in the Doomben Roses next weekend if the filly makes the field for her lead-up to the Queensland Oaks.
"Damien's manager saw her recent win - he must have seen it on the internet - and identified her as his likely Oaks ride," said Moroney.
Resolution will head to the Derby through the Rough Habit Plate and will be ridden by Michael Coleman.
