Revitalised Hayes Looks Forward to Caulfield Cup
- Monday, 07 October 2002 00:00
Hayes again made the long flight from his Hong Kong base to Melbourne to saddle up his son of Zabeel in the Turnbull Stakes and he was pleased with what he saw.
After racing closer to the pace than he had in previous starts, the galloper former known in New Zealand as Hades, finished on his race in stylish fashion to finish a handy fourth behind the champion West Australian Northerly.
"It was an excellent run," Hayes explained. "With the races now being over a longer distance we are able to race him much closer to the pace which is really going to suit him."
"Im really looking forward to the Caulfield Cup now," he added with a smile and a twinkle in his eye.
Helene Vitality, who is already a Group One winner of the New Zealand Derby as a three-year-old, will have his next run in the Caulfield Cup.
After that the good class performer will head toward the worlds richest handicap, the $4 million Tooheys New Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday of November.
"He wont run between the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups," Hayes stated.
"Well give him a few good strong gallops in between, but he wont be actually racing in between Caulfield and Flemington."
Hayes obviously has that burning ambition to win the Caulfield Cup and add to the familys success in the race. Lindsay Park last won the race with Fraar.
And while he would be pleased to be beaten by Lindsay Parks current star Fields of Omagh there is still a bit of friendly rivalry present.
"Obviously Im pretty keen to be able to beat Tony in the Caulfield Cup," Hayes said with a laugh. "He has one up on me in a feature race you know."
McEvoy and Hayes had clashed once before in Singapore when the Tony McEvoy trained North Boy scored a track record breaking win in the Krisflyer Sprint at Kranji earlier this year.
"Its definitely my time to turn the tables."
