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By Neil Evans

He hasn't raced since the autumn of 2023, but might just provide one of the great NSW country sprinting comeback stories of 2025.

Talented and very sparingly raced five-year-old Remlaps Commander ($3.20 equal favourite on TAB) finally returns to the track at Thursday's Scone meeting in the Newgate Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m).

Remlaps Commander (Jenny Duggan) in full flight at Gosford. Image by Bradley Photographers

More than 92 weeks and counting, connections and punters alike had long wondered what might have been since the powerhouse son of Extreme Choice exploded home to win a Saturday stand-alone Class 3 Highway at Gosford.

That was his third win from just five starts, yet the celebrations had barely died down when Remlaps Commander was forced into the paddock with setbacks, commencing a long lay-off.

In fact that ultimate test of patience for his long list of owners seemingly refused to end.

Remlaps Commander even had to overcome recent suspensions and vet clearances before being given the green light to make his desperately-awaited return.

But in the capable sprinting hands of local trainer Scott Singleton, the gelding has come through two improving trials, the latest impressive when making up late ground under a good hold behind powerhouse Mudgee sprinter Compelling Truth.

The stable has shown its hand further by booking 3kg claimer Mitch Stapleford to ride on what will be a very firm surface.

Remlaps Commander opened a narrow $2.90 favourite and has drifted slightly ($3.10) ahead of Zouprince ($3.30) who is part of a very strong and wide-reaching team for Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald.

In fact, earlier that stable could dominate the Kia Ora Benchmark Handicap (2200m) with two runners, however, their early short-priced favourite Akkadian Emperor will be scratched after running at Warwick Farm earlier today.

They Neasham/Archibald stable will have Storm Park (Alysha Collett-$5.50) along with Up And Comer (Jean Van Overmeire-$8.50) flying the flag.

The duo also has three runners accepted for the Scone Equine Hospital Class 1 Handicap (1600m) headed by big-finishing mare Cheergal who is on the second line of betting at $3.50.

Smart three-year-olds Sunshine Law ($2 favourite) and Parkrun ($4.40) look set to dominate the Muswellbrook Ford Maiden Handicap (1600m), while the stable will be confident saddling up debutante filly Davikar ($4 fav) in the $50K Yarraman Park Super Maiden Handicap, 1000m.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Scone here