He wasn’t ready to test the top trotters in this month’s Maple Leaf Trot, but don’t write off Intimidate’s season.

Trainer and co-owner Luc Blais qualified the Breeders Crown champion Thursday at Rideau Carleton Raceway, with an eye to bringing him back for the Frank Ryan Trot at Rideau on Aug. 18.

And the four-year-old gelding is back wearing hopples, after racing without them in three races earlier this year at Hippodrome 3R.

Intimidate broke stride in the last of those three races, ending a seven-race winning streak. Then he suffered a minor foot injury.

“We had a bit of bad luck with him, but he’s perfect now. It’s just a question of getting him back in shape,” said Blais.

Other than the Frank Ryan, the gelding is eligible for this year’s Credit Winner Trot at Vernon Downs and the Breeders’ Crown.

“It’s a bit disappointing, because the Maple Leaf Trot was my goal, but there’s always next year. The important thing is for him to be healthy,” said Blais, who owns the Quebec-bred with Judy Farrow of Hemmingford.

(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Paul Delean)