Cambridge trainer Gary Alton has ruled out a tilt at the Gr.3 Foxbridge Plate with veteran campaigner Worthing, no matter how he goes on Saturday.
Worthing kicks off a new preparation as a nine-year-old in Saturday's $17,500 JLT Sprint (1200m), with in-form Cambridge apprentice Ulrika Holmquist booked to ride.
And while Alton is optimistic Worthing can again make his mark this campaign, he is ruling out anything too ambitious.
"He's come up really well and we thought we may as well have a go at Ruakaka rather than taking him to the trials and chasing no stake money," Alton said.
"He's really well and it looks like he's got over all the little niggles that have troubled him in the past. We just thought we might as well have another go with him because he'd be no good in Catherine's (Alton's partner and co-owner Catherine Cameron's) show jumping team because he's too much of an old prick for that."
A notoriously difficult ride and bloody-minded galloper, Worthing isn't without his share of ability. He has won seven of his 59 starts and banked nearly $160,000 in earnings, gaining a stakes placing in the 2012 Opunake Cup at Listed level.
However, Alton has ruled out a return to stakes racing, saying he would be thrilled if the Danroad gelding could clinch a final sentimental win.
"We won't be doing anything too ambitious. We'd just love to see him win another race," Alton said.
"He's been a good horse to us and though he'll be nine by the time he races on Saturday, he's still showing he wants to be out there doing it. The moment he doesn't want to be a racehorse, we will find something else for him to do."
Worthing heads a seven-horse field for the Rating 75 sprint in which he will clash with Melbourne Cup winner Ethereal's son Ebullient, Magic Belle, last-start course winner Witz End, D'Cash Man, Airfield Road and Elysium.
Worthing was further forward in his preparation at the same time last year, running second in the 1600m open handicap on the same day.
Ruakaka trainers Donna and Dean Logan have a strong hand in that race - the $25,000 ITM/Gib Open Mile - through track specialist King Zeus and in-form Darci Brahma mare Candle In The Wind, who will chase her fourth straight win.
That pair's rivals are Danza Lad, Maximum Height, Faraway Eyes, Flash Hapi and Whoshe.
