POPULAR veteran jockey Craig Robertson is only weeks away from making a return after 14 months on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.

Robertson, 52, injured his right shoulder after a trackwork fall at Bendigo.

"I originally thought I may be out for six months but it turned out to be 14 months," he said. "I'm hoping to be back riding on Boxing Day. I've ridden in about 30 jump-outs at Flemington, Cranbourne and a few other places.

"The shoulder is really good but I've got to get it a bit stronger. I've really stepped up on my fitness and it should improve even more in the next few weeks to have me ready for a Boxing Day resumption."

Robertson, who has sustained numerous injuries including collarbones, wrists, ankles and knees during his 35 years in the saddle said his weight had ballooned out to 70kg during his time out of the saddle.

"I've worked hard at getting my weight down," he said. "It's been a battle get the weight down but I'm confident I've got it under control now."

Robertson's biggest western district win was on Gunner Tom in the 2006 Wangoom Handicap.

WARRNAMBOOL galloper Tough Vic lived up to his name when he lumped 65kg to win a benchmark 64 over 1400 metres at his home track on Sunday.

The win is Tough Vic's fifth for young local trainer Adam Chambers from 14 starts. Underrated jockey Neil Farley had the winning ride on the seven-year-old.

"Tough Vic is just so tough," Chambers said.

"He's just so aptly named. He puts in 100 per cent into his races. I tell people you can't underestimate this horse. He's a mammoth horse and he's very heavy. He would tip the scales at a good 600 kilos - so 65 kilos is not much for him.

"I've got to thank James McNamara for giving me the opportunity to train this horse. James said to me when Tough Vic first came to me, this horse is very, very tough and he can do anything. He was exactly right. It was a very good ride by Neil; he rated Tough Vic perfectly in front today. Tough Vic needs a tough rider and Neil did a great job."

Chambers is establishing himself as one of the young and upcoming trainers in Warrnambool picked up a $25,000 trainers bonus and will put it to good use.

"I'm trying to expand my team," he said.

"The $25,000 will go towards infrastructure around the stables. I'm looking at putting in a new sand roll and adding a few extra boxes.

"I've got to thank Bill Gibbins for putting up the $25,000 trainers bonus and the whole Jericho Cup concept. It's turning into a big meeting for Warrnambool." Sunday's victory by Tough Vic took his stake earnings to more than $170,000.

COUNT Zero won the longest flat race on Sunday, and trainer Symon Wilde is eyeing off Australia's longest jumping race - Warrnambool's Grand Annual Steeplechase - as a future goal for the six-year-old.

The New Zealand bred Count Zero won Sunday's Jericho Cup run over 4600 metres by more than four lengths. Wilde believes the 5500 metres and 33 fences of the Annual will hold no fears for the galloper.

"Count Zero stays all day as shown by his win in the Jericho," he said.

"We've done a bit of schooling over the jumps with him and he appears to like it. I think he should be ready for a maiden hurdle at next year's Warrnambool May Carnival and in 2022 he'll be ready to tackle a Grand Annual. He's a tough stayer who likes wet ground which is a real advantage in May." From his 31 starts, Count Zero has won four races.

Meanwhile, Wilde's other winner Only A Mother in the Jericho consultation on Sunday, will also be aimed at a jumping career.

"The Rowsthorn family has sent Only A Mother to us with a jumping program on the agenda," he said.

"Only A Mother has a big stride. I'm not sure how nimble he'll be over the jumps but we'll give him a try to see if he measures up.

"We'll look at setting Only A Mother at next year's Jericho Cup. It looks an ideal type of race for him because he stays all day."

Only A Mother has won three of his 17 starts.

FORMER Warrnambool trainer Andrew Homann kept up his winning run at Cranbourne last Friday night. Maazle won a restricted race over 1400 metres.

The win was Homann's sixth from his last 20 runners.

SEVEN of the nine races were won by local trainers at Warrnambool on Sunday.

Lindsey Smith and Symon Wilde had doubles while Matthew Williams, Peter Chow and Adam Chambers all tasted success. George Osborne and Dan O'Sullivan were the visiting trainers who won races.

APPRENTICE jockey Melissa Julius was suspended on a careless riding charge after her ride on Bedouin King at Bendigo last Thursday.

Stewards found Julius allowed Bedouin King to shift out, causing interference. Julius was suspended for eight meetings. Her suspension starts midnight December 2 and expires midnight December 10. Stewards deemed the incident to be in the low range. Julius was able to fulfill riding commitments at Moonee Valley, Warrnambool and Hamilton before starting her suspension.

Around the Tracks

BANDERSNATCH: Having his first start for the Hawkes stable, the 4YO scored an impressive win on Saturday. Bandersnatch should improve with that first-up effort under his belt.

BELLA TIARA: Impressive maiden winner at Warrnambool. She hit the line strong at the end of 1400 metres and more wins are in store for the three-year-old filly.

PRES DE TOI: Deserves a metropolitan victory after a nice performance to run second at Moonee Valley on Saturday. She's had no luck at previous outings but will get her chance for a city win.

WILL PRICE: Promising apprentice. Showed his ability booting home two winners at the Valley. Punters will see him having more opportunities in town over the next few months.