Mark Hills unsaddling Jacowils after winning the Waiwera Railway Handicap, his second Gr I win of his career. Photo: NZ Racing News.

Hills suffered two fractures of a leg when involved in a two-horse fall at the Wairoa meeting on February 18 and is keen to be back in action for the Te Rapa meeting in August and hopefully be reunited with Jacowils in the Gr III $70,000 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate (wfa 1200m) that day.

Hills caused a major upset on New Year's Day when guiding Jacowils to victory in the Gr I Waiwera Railway Handicap and he has been keeping close tabs on the grey galloper during his absence from the raceday action.

"I've been out to Raglan to ride Jacowils on the beach a few times and I went into Te Rapa this morning to gallop him," said Hills.

"I want to keep the seat warm and hopefully I can get back on him.

"He's coming up well and he pulled up well after his gallop this morning.

"It's just a bit of a worry having to go 1400 metres fresh-up on a bog track (in the Opunake Cup) this weekend."

Hills has been riding some trackwork since June 18, which was exactly four months since his Wairoa fall.

"I don't want to rush back into it," said Hills.

"I plan to ride at the Te Teko trials on August 4 and have a few rides at the jumpouts before then.

"All going well I'll then ride at the trials on August 11 and that should have me ready for Foxbridge Plate day."

Hills says he doesn't see a problem with his weight, which has climbed to 59kgs during his time on the sideline.

"I'll get that down alright," said Hills.

"And I'm picking up strength in the leg all the time.

"My knee has been the main problem, that and my ankle, but they're getting better and with more riding they'll come right.

"At this stage I'm quite confident I'll be right for the new season."