Phoenix champion Explicit returns to racing this Thursday
Champion sprinter Explicit is making an unexpected return to the track this Thursday night at Sandown Park, just months after retiring on a high following his Phoenix triumph in December.
The dual Group 1 winner, who also claimed the Melbourne Cup weeks before his Phoenix triumph, had seemingly closed the book on his racing career.
2025 The Phoenix Race Replay – Explicit (29.72)
However, after thriving in recent trials, trainer Jason Thompson has decided to bring him back for a $9,000 free-for-all event.
“At home, he was just going through the motions, so I gave him a trial to see if it sparked him up,” Thompson told GRV.
“He came through it well, and all his trials have been at the level I’d expect.”
Explicit will continue his stud career, but his return to racing suggests he is far from done competing.
Thompson emphasised that there’s no pressure on the three-year-old, but he believes the son of Bernardo still has plenty to offer on the track.
“He’s got nothing to prove, but he just loves racing. We’ll see how he goes on Thursday before deciding on future targets.”
Looking ahead, major races like the Golden Easter Egg at Wentworth Park and The Sandgroper in Western Australia could be on the radar.
With Thompson securing a slot in The Sandgroper, Explicit could be a prime candidate for the lucrative feature if he returns in top form.
Explicit, who has won 27 of his 37 starts, has drawn box eight for his return, with Canya Nitrate and Giacomo among his rivals.
Currently, none of the leading online bookmakers have released the betting odds for Thursday.