Melbourne spring showing set for NZ Oaks winner Fanatic
GROUP one winning galloper Fanatic is closing in on a trial outing that should lead to a Melbourne spring campaign.
The New Zealand Oaks winner is progressing well at Lindsay Park, the Victorian operation of David Hayes, who trains in partnership with Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes.
Breeder and owner Sean Kieran said he expects the mare to trail in the next fortnight en route to an assault on the Melbourne spring.
“She’s had a couple of gallops and David is very happy with her,” Kiernan said.
“She’ll be having a trial in the next 10 days and then we’ll see. I’m leaving it entirely up to David.”
Fanatic has won three of its 21 races, most notably its Oaks victory, and she was sent to Hayes after receiving the blessing of former trainers Graeme Sanders and his daughter Debbie Sweeney.
The mare’s owner is hopeful the winning pedigree in big races will hold Fanatic in goods stead across the Tasman.
“She needs good tracks and Graeme said there wasn’t much point getting her ready here with mud up to her stomach,” Kiernan said.
“She’s won a group one and Listed placed so we’ll soon find out what that equates to over in Melbourne.
“With the English raiders coming out for the spring it doesn’t make it easy, but David has got enough good horses to work her with and find out where she sits.
“Hopefully, her level is closer to the top than the bottom.”
Fanatic will be entered in both the Group One Caulfield Cup and the Group One Melbourne Cup after coming within days of starting in the former event last year.
A spider bite forced Fanatic to have an early return home to New Zealand, but barring any unforeseen incidents the mare will compete for this year’s prize.