Hayes looking for redemption in Golden Slipper
TRAINER David Hayes admits Houtzen was too strong for Madeenaty in last Saturday’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast, but believes a tactics change in the Golden Slipper will help bridge the gap.
Madeenaty was forced to chase Houtzen throughout the race on Saturday, which didn’t suit the talented Victorian.
“The winner was too good,” Hayes said.
“Being in that position to chase didn’t suit our filly and the winner didn’t run along as quickly as what people would have thought.”
Madeenaty will head back to Lindsay Park before launching an assault on the Golden Slipper.
“She’ll do some work on the water-walker and she’ll be produced late February or early March in Melbourne or Sydney and be aimed at the Golden Slipper,” Hayes said.
“We will adopt different riding tactics. She will be ridden more patiently, which will suit her better.
“Ridden differently I definitely think she’s a major player in the Golden Slipper.”
The daughter of Exceed And Excel is currently $15 at Sportsbet.com.au for the Golden Slipper on March 18, with Houtzen (not nominated) the favourite at $6.
Houtzen’s next start will likely come in the Reisling Stakes.
“I’ll set her for the Riesling Stakes, and if she doesn’t handle it I’ll stop and send her to the paddock,” trainer Toby Edmunds said.
Smerdon hoping for New Zealand success
Robert Smerdon will line up Odyssey Moon in Saturday’s Group 1 $250,000 Telegraph Handicap at Trentham, his first ever runner in New Zealand.
“I’ve never had a runner there before. He’s there because he’s a stallion and a Group one win would make a huge difference to his value at stud,” Smerdon said.
Odyssey Moon travelled to New Zealand last Wednesday and will stay at the Cambridge stables of Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman.
“He’ll have a fast gallop there on Wednesday and he’ll have an eight-hour float trip on Friday to get to Wellington the day before the race,” he said.
The last start Standish Handicap winner will retain the mount of Noel Callow, who will fly over to ride the four-year-old.
“He seemed to work for him at Flemington, being such a strong rider, which suited him,” Smerdon added.
Yankee Rose returns positive swab
Quality filly Yankee Rose has returned a positive sample to a banned anti-inflammatory after running second in the Group 1 Flight Stakes.
The David Vandyke-trained runner picked up $99,000 for the placing which could now be in doubt following the positive sample confirmed by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory and Racing Analytical Services Limited.
The drug in question is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Ketorlac.
“Stewards have advised me that a swab sample taken from Yankee Rose following her second in the Flight Stakes has come back positive to Ketorolac (brand name Toradol),” a statement from Vandyke said.
“This medication was prescribed and administered by a licensed veterinarian who treated Yankee Rose.
“As the inquiry is ongoing, I will not make any further comment at this time.”
An inquiry has been scheduled for 10am Friday January 20 at Racing NSW headquarters.
He’s Our Rokki to return in Orr Stakes
Four-year-old New Zealand export He’s Our Rokki has been set for the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes at Caulfield before heading to the Futurity Stakes.
“He’s Our Rokkii is going to the C F Orr and then the Futurity Stakes,” co-trainer Tom Dabernig said.
“He’s a good Caulfield horse. He’s in great order and doing well.”
Its last start was a disappointing unplaced effort in the Group 1 Cantala Stakes at Flemington, but Dabernig believes it has good potential.
“He’s a good, tough gelding and I think he’s still got a bit ahead of him for sure,” Dabernig said.
Stablemate Seaburge will be set for the Group 1 Australian Guineas in March after running close in the Caulfield Guineas in the spring.
“He’s going to kick off in the CS Hayes,” Dabernig said.
“He’s come back and looks great.”