Return of star runners boosts Wolfe stable

Leading Albany trainer Steve Wolfe believes the future is bright for his stable heading into the upcoming summer racing season as star trio Kalahaar, Mr Utopia and Tiger Pete all edge closer to their return to racing.

Kalahaar, who last ran in the Group 3 Birthday Stakes in June, is among seven Wolfe runners that are nominated for this morning's barrier trials at Belmont Park.

Mr Utopia last started in the $90,000 Albany Cup back in April where he finished sixth and has had one trial since, finishing fourth over 950m at Lark Hill on September 8.

Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes runner Tiger Pete was spelled after finishing 12th of 14 in the Perth Racing VIP Package Handicap (1400m) at Belmont on June 21 and will resume along with Mr Utopia in the coming weeks.

Wolfe, who landed four winners during the recent Kalgoorlie race round, said things were on the rise for his stable. "We are just getting going," Wolfe said.

"There is a lot to look forward to here. I think we have got a stronger team than last season."

Wolfe's trial nominations this morning also include promising middle-distance runner Gee Pee Ess, Aground and maiden gallopers My Greek Boy, Gauged, Lucky Charlie and Goneagain, but Wolfe said he was again preparing a big team.

"We have 40 horses in work and about 19 of them are maidens," he said.

"Only about four of those maidens are raced so there is a lot of untapped ability here and we have a bit to look forward to."

Stable jockey Shaun McGruddy travelled to Albany on Friday to ride track work for Wolfe, ahead of a busy period for the highly successful combination.

Wolfe was bullish about Gauged, a Danehill Express two-year-old from ex-stable star Moodometer, who will have his second trial today. "Gauged missed the start the other day," he said.

"He has some ability, according to Tash (Natasha Faithfull).

"My Greek Boy is also a nice horse in the making and Aground has already won a race and he is a horse on the way up, so things look all right."