McKay Has Sights On Group One For Joey
- Sunday, 06 December 2009 06:30
Trainer Peter McKay is thinking of tackling the Group One Zabeel Classic with Joey Massino following his gutsy win in the Avondale Guineas.
McKay has the choice of the weight-for-age Zabeel Classic (2000m) against the older horses, or the Group Two Great Northern Classic (2100m) against Joey Massino's rival three-year-olds, both run on Boxing Day.
He was swaying towards a start in the Zabeel Classic but said it would depend on whether he could find a suitable jockey to ride at 52 kilograms.
"We have to think also about his future as a stallion prospect," McKay said.
"He is by O'Reilly out of a very strong family so a top performance at Group One level against the older horses would be good for him."
Joey Massino's dam, Rationable, has also produced Karaka Million winner Vincent Mangano and Caulfield Cup placegetter Vigor.
After Boxing Day, the plan is for Joey Massino to have a brief spell before being aimed at the New Zealand Derby on March 4.
That will depend on how he goes over 2000m, but McKay thinks the manner of his performances over 1600m augur well for a future over more ground.
"I always thought he would get better over longer distances and he has won his three starts at a mile now," McKay said.
Joey Massino showed he was a fighter with his Avondale Guineas win on Saturday when he was headed by Celtic Fantasy in the straight and then held off a determined Finderskeepers on his inside in the run to the line to score by a short head.
