Interstate sprinter, Fiveoclockshadow, will take his first tentative step towards the Stradbroke Hcp when he resumes from a long break in the $60,000 XXXX Gold Town Plate (1200m) at Wagga Wagga on Thursday.

Sydney lightweight jockey Jon Grisedale replaces Stathi Katsidis, who was due to return to the saddle on the horse but is unable to make his weight of 54.5kgs.

“We honestly thought he would get more weight considering he has won two Listed races and that was why Stathi agreed to come down from Brisbane and ride him,” trainer, Nerissa Cowell, said.

“Perhaps the handicapper took into account the fact the horse has not raced for almost 18 months.”

The change of rider is one more hiccough in what has been a series of misadventures for Cowell and her talented four year old.

It all started when Fiveoclockshadow was one of 12 yearlings Cowell, then based at Eagle Farm bought in Adelaide for prominent Brisbane owner James Gettings.

“They were to be sold at a ready to run sale but Fiveoclockshadow was the standout and I wanted to keep him,” Cowell said.

“However James did not like him and wanted to sell. Eventually I was able to talk James into letting us buy him.”

In May 2006 Fiveoclockshadow won the Listed Doomben Slipper for two year olds at only his second start and after a break went to Melbourne where he won the Listed UCI Stakes at Flemington.

Cowell took the horse back to Brisbane but he developed an infection in one hock.

“We gave him a break, brought him back into work but the infection broke out again and he had to go for another spell,” Cowell said.

“Eventually he recovered and we got him ready for the spring carnival in Sydney.

“No sooner had he we arrived at Rosehill than EI broke out and we were stuck.’

However Cowell decided to make the best of an awkward situation.

“I had always planned to move to Sydney to train but this forced me to make the decision earlier than anticipated,” she said.

“We have set up a stable at Rosehill and already have eight in work. Our Eagle Farm set up will become a satellite stable.”

On Thursday Fiveoclockshadow will be having his first start since December 2006 but Cowell says he is fit enough to run a big race.

“He has been in work a long time and the Wagga race is perfect to kick off this campaign,” Cowell said.

“If he goes as well as I expect he will run in the Civic Stakes at Rosehill.

“We know we have a talented sprinter and that is why we nominated him for the Stradbroke.

“However he still has some way to go yet before he proves to us that he can be considered a serious contender. Wagga is the first step and Rosehill after that.

“If he can shape up in those two races then I will start thinking seriously about Brisbane.”