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He has called her mentally disturbed with bent legs but trainer Clinton McDonald can't help but admire lightly-raced mare I Want You Back.
Having not raced for 12 months, the rising seven-year-old will try to win the Samuel Griffiths Hcp (1000m) at Sandown on Wednesday for the second year in a row.
I Want You Back has won her last two starts but hasn't raced since straining fetlock ligaments after landing the Ron Grimes Hcp (1400m) at Caulfield on July 23 last year.
McDonald said that given her age, erratic behaviour and poor conformation he didn't expect to see I Want You back in his stable again.
"She's got shocking legs and I should have her in a straitjacket," McDonald said.
"She's always shown me huge ability but she has been a difficult mare to train."
However her owners, who bought her dam Road in foal to Marwina for $800 and have watched I Want You Back grow into a potential stakeswinner, wanted her to have another chance.
"We gave her a good six months out," McDonald said.
"At the end of four months she was getting around the paddock fine and the owners were keen to bring her back.
"I was a bit sceptical but to the mare's credit, and a lot of hard work, she is in fantastic order.
"The joint is as good as it has ever been and she is as sound as a bell."
McDonald said that despite all the headaches she has given him, I Want You Back, a winner of five races from 17 starts, was a stakes-class mare.
A year ago he was aiming her at the Group Three Bletchingly Stakes before she broke down and he is now revisiting those plans.
"She has got four bent legs, shocking conformation, but it doesn't stop her from running," McDonald said.
McDonald has nursed her back to the track, mainly swimming her to keep the pressure off her legs and build up her fitness.
© 2010 Published 11/07/06
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