Brilliant Return for Montreal

A year away from the races has not lessened the ability of well-bred Lonhro gelding Montreal, who returned with a resounding win at Wyong on Wednesday.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained four year-old won on debut at Hawkesbury last year before finishing fifth at Rosehill in December and had not been seen since.

Sidelined with a bone chip injury that required surgery, Montreal was prepared for his return with a recent trial win and went to the post a short priced favourite in the Class 1 event over 1000 metres.

He led all the way with Adam Hyeronimus in the saddle and cruised to the line to win by nearly five lengths in a dominant display.

A homebred for Evergreen Rich, Montreal is a full brother to Group II placed Twirl and half-brother to Group II placed Emotional Circus being one of five winners from stakes-placed Cirque du Soleil, a full sister to Fastnet Rock.

Lonhro has just four entries for the 2018 Magic Millions next month, while his champion son Pierro has 17.