Hay List Newmarket Bound

Tuesday, 16 February 2010 01:26

West Australian sprinter Hay List trialled impressively on Monday at Belmont ahead of travelling to Melbourne for a first-up tilt at the $1million Group One Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington next month.

Contesting a trial over 1000m against only one other horse, Hay List won by three lengths in a time of 1:10.38 with regular rider Jason Brown in the saddle.

Trainer Jim Taylor said that while it was less than ideal that he was only galloping against one other rival (Bee I En Gee Oh, who is a four-year-old maiden galloper from three attempts) he was still pleased with the workout.

“I was hoping to have a few more runners in the trial but you can’t help that,” Taylor told Perth Racing before adding, “He did what I wanted him to do and has pulled up well.”

With more kilos to shed before the Newmarket, Hay List will have one more trial next Monday before flying out to Melbourne to on March 2.

By Statue Of Liberty out of Sing Hallelujah, Hay List boasts an imposing record of eight wins from nine starts with just under $250,000 in prizemoney.

He suffered his only defeat last start when making his debut appearance in stakes company when sixth in the $202,000 Group 3 Colonel Reeves (1100m) at Ascot.

Brown, who has ridden Hay List at all racetrack appearances including trials, told stewards following that defeat that after bounding the start he allowed Hay List to stride forward and take the lead at the 600m where he travelled comfortably until mis-striding before the home turn.

According to Brown, the four-year-old slipped around the bend and weakened from that point onwards.

A post-race veterinary check revealed Hay List to be lame in his near foreleg ensuring Taylor sent the four-year-old for a 13 week spell.

Picture: Greg Irvine