It’s already shaping up to be a big day at Healesville on Sunday with the Victorian National qualifiers, but race six will deliver an extra treat for fans – the return of Country Cup champ, Matt Loch.

We last saw Matt Loch two months ago at Geelong, when he defeated champion Explicit in the Group Listed Pink Diamond Champion Sprinter.

Matt Loch (7) tackles Explicit (2) in the Pink Diamond Champion Sprinter at Geelong in a time of 25.40 seconds.

Matt Loch’s break from racing wasn’t due to injury. Trainer Michelle Mallia explained that suitable races for her three-time Group race winner had been scarce.

“I used the time off to have his DNA testing done so he’s ready to sire a couple of litters in the future,” Mallia said.

“He’s had a couple of trials and is going better than ever.”