Shrapnel might not be near his best form after a long winter spell

While he might be making one of the most anticipated returns of the weekend jockey Michael Rodd is warning people not to be getting too excited about Shrapnel.

The four year old will be back in action at Moonee Valley in the Mitty’s McEwen Stakes over 1000m  tomorrow, his first run since March.

He went out on a winner by claiming victory in the Yallambee Classic at Morphettville but he’s back on the east coast for a promising spring campaign.

Shrapnel won the Breeders Stakes in Adelaide last year at just his second career start and since then he’s taken his record to three wins and two minors from just seven runs.

He’s been to Moonee Valley before as well winning in September of last year with Rodd in the saddle.

Despite that success though Rodd is labouring the fact that the horse is still nowhere near his best after his long winter spell.

“He’s going to need the run, he’s a bit of a gross sort of a colt,” Rodd said.

That said he does see plenty of promise down the track with a horse he knows has proven ability.

“He’s come back in really good order and we think this blokes has quite a nice future,” he said.

Rodd has taken a bit of confidence out of the final acceptances for the McEwen Stakes though, with just nine to line up tomorrow he’s not going to rule out a surprise win altogether.

“He’s had  a couple of jump outs in prep for this race, it wouldn’t surprise me if he lobbed one, two or three but he’ll definitely improve,” he said.

Shrapnel will jump from gate three in the race but will face stiff opposition from the likes of Atomic Force, Buffering and Crystal Lily.