Late call leaves McKay’s travelling party intact
On Wednesday morning, trainer Peter McKay was on the verge of culling his team of Hawke’s Bay-bound runners but ultimately decided to keep all six of them in contention for the southern journey.
The Matamata-based horseman, who co-trains with his son Shaun, had initially considered withdrawing several of his horses but changed his mind after a conversation with Hastings track manager Richard Fenwick.
“I was five minutes away from pulling most of them out, and then I talked to Richard, and he said the sun had popped out and it was blowing,” McKay explained.
“You wouldn’t know what could happen in the next few days, and if the track does come back, I would have been kicking myself if I had pulled them out.”
Sagunto, a stalwart of the McKay stable, will aim for a carnival double after an impressive first-up victory over 1600m three weeks ago.
Despite the weight increase to 60.5kg, McKay is confident in Sagunto’s abilities, stating, “He likes to free roll and tries very hard, so he makes the races interesting if the track isn’t too bad.”
McKay also reflected on Sagunto’s past success on heavy tracks, mentioning his surprise win in last season’s Group 3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) on a heavy track.
“I was going to scratch him because of the heavy track, and he had been a bit of a duffer on them before that, but he got the job done,” McKay recalled.
“He’s very well and a happy horse, so we’ll see what happens on Saturday.”
Strange Love will make her return from a break on Saturday, while stablemate Don Pauly, who finished in the money on the first day of the carnival, is also an acceptor.
McKay noted that Strange Love has previously won on a heavy track, and Don Pauly has shown improvement, saying, “Strange Love has won on a heavy track, and she’s well, and Don Pauly is getting there.
“He was a weakish three-year-old, and he’s strengthened up a bit.”
The Oaklane Stables Chaff Premier (1300m) will witness multiple winners Langkawi and Cavallo Veloce going head-to-head.
McKay emphasized the importance of these races for the two horses, stating, “They need to get a run under their belts, and Langkawi can sometimes take two or three runs, and Cavallo Veloce does go well fresh.”
He also expressed his hope for a good performance from Cavallo Veloce, who has often placed at Hawke’s Bay.
Finally, Bad ‘n Bouj, who finished third on the opening day of the carnival, is set to appreciate the step up to 1600m.
Owned by McKay’s son Jacob, the mare may benefit from a softer track, with Jacob noting her previous performance on a Slow 7 or possibly an 8.
Despite carrying top weight (59.5kg), the distance suits her style of racing if the track conditions improve.