Classy mare Rodinella makes her much awaited return to the race-track on Saturday at Te Rapa, after a horrific hoof injury that had her racing career in jeopardy.

The Haunui Farm-owned mare was an impressive maiden winner at Tauranga at the beginning of the year, and was installed the early favourite for the Group One Al BAsti Equiworld New Zealand Oaks.

The daughter of Ocean Park was described by Cambridge co-trainer Roger James as “the best I’ve had since Silent Achiever” following her Tauranga win.

Sadly, she suffered a horrendous hoof injury shortly after running fourth in the Group Two Sir Tristram Fillies Clasic at Te Rapa, that had her racing prospects looking doubtful.

Part of her therapy, she was sent to Luke Pertab's rehabilitation farm, the Auckland Equine Rehabilitation Centre at Glenbrook.

Co-trainer Robert Wellwood said Rondinella had progressed well since the injury.

"Its great to see her back at the races. She was a promissing three-year-old."

"She's back in good order now. She's been off the scene since February, so she's going to be vunerable first up but certainly looking forward seeing her back out there," Wellwood said.