“Two weeks here, two weeks there, that’s never simple, but lots of horses have done it and lots have travelled further. He got to Hong Kong by plane, and had travelled backwards and forwards from China regularly, so he’s a good traveller.”
Hayes, meanwhile, was a keen observer when the Chris Waller-trained Joliestar dominated the Shorts (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday. She firmed into a $7 for The Everest, just behind stablemate and second elect Lady Shenandoah ($6). Shorts runner-up Briasa was $8 and Private Harry, which faded in fifth, dropped to $10. Lady Shenandoah next races in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday.
Joliestar romps home in the Shorts on Saturday.Credit: Getty Images
“She couldn’t have been more impressive; she looked outstanding,” Hayes said of Joliestar. “She put her hand up and probably Private Harry put his hand down. I’d say he’s got a little bit of work to do. I’d say the Hawkes’ horse [Briasa] is on schedule.”
Hayes will be keenly watching the Manikato Stakes, but also for the return of Stradbroke Handicap winner War Machine, which is trained by his sons, Ben, Will and JD, and has yet to gain an Everest slot.
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“He’s a very good horse and will be having one lead-up in the next couple of weeks. Stradbroke form is a proven way of coming in,” he said.
Meanwhile, jockey Ash Morgan has vowed to “regroup and go again” after racing powerhouse Yulong made the call to dump him from Private Harry, which is set to race next in the Premiere Stakes on October 4 at Randwick.
Morgan was aboard the Nathan Doyle-trained star for five wins to start his career, which included a first group 1 victory. Private Harry, which slot-holder Yulong owns 50 per cent of after a multimillion-dollar deal, began awkwardly on Saturday and was bumped early before working into second spot then fading late as favourite.
“Obviously [it hurts], but it is what it is, there’s nothing I can do about it,” Morgan said. “The decision was made, but I’ve had a good run on the horse and I feel I’ve done everything I can on him and executed in the big moments.
“The horse has been great to me, and he put my name out there. There’s no hard feelings between me and anybody else. I’ve been in it long enough to know how it works.”
Tim Clark has been booked to ride Private Harry in the Premiere Stakes and the Everest.
