‘The General’ ready to take charge

Harness racing trainer Mick Chircop is planning one more trial before sending his speed machine General Dodge back to the races.

The horse blitzed a classy field of rivals during a hit-out at Tabcorp Park Melton on Monday night, showing an explosive turn of foot to leave the likes of Out To Play, Enchanted Stride and Wolf Stride in his wake.

A final last half of 55.43sec contributed to a mile rate of 1:59.00min in what was General Dodge’s first trial since his last-start win at the same track on May 1.

“With his back issues, we’ve fixed all that and now he just wants to let down. His work has actually been pretty good during the week,” Chircop said.

“All the soreness is out of his back and all that region. We have put these egg bar shoes behind and it’s helped him with his (jarring) and all that.”

Chircop said another trial was likely before the time came to find a suitable first-up assignment.

Features like the Jet Roofing Kilmore Pacing Cup on September 24 and Pryde’s Easifeed Victoria Cup on October 9 are among the key targets for connections of the eight-year-old, who has won 14 of 19 starts during an injury and illness-plagued career.

“One more trial, we’ll start looking for some racing and then try and get into those nice ones,” Chircop said.

“I’m pretty happy at this stage. I can’t complain. (I’ll) just keep touching wood I think.”

WATCH GENERAL DODGE’S TRIAL VICTORY FROM MONDAY NIGHT BELOW: