News Alert is no guarantee to win The Galaxy in such a strong Group 1 field but just to be back at this point is a testament to the toughness of this horse.

Con Karakatsanis says News Alert was struck down with a serious stomach virus in Queensland last Winter Carnival, an illness so bad it nearly took his life.

He spent three months at the Redlands Veterinary Clinic but he’s now back to full fitness and ready to improve on his Stakes win with a Group 1 victory at Randwick today.

“I never had a doubt about the horse’s ability but an illness like that can just about ruin a horse,” Karakatsanis said.

“The only thing I had in the back of my mind was that I knew how tough this horse was, I think that’s the thing that pulled him through.”

News Alert started slowly as expected this preparation but comes into The Galaxy after a familiarly gutsy second to Swift Alliance last start in the Group 3 Sebring Stakes.

He’ll jump from barrier three and Karakatsanis said the gelding has just a bigger chance as any going into the race.

“It would be something special if he could win,” Karakatsanis said.

“We’ve put in so much work to get him back where he was, he’s been a great horse for the stable and to have him back even racing in a race like this is awesome.

“A win would just be a bonus.”