Ben Hayes saw enough in Aysar’s victory at Sandown Hillside to think he could be up to Caulfield Guineas standard despite not winning by a big margin.
Aysar Heading To Group 1 Caulfield Guineas
Although it wasn’t a win by a big margin, co-trainer Ben Hayes saw enough for three-year-old Aysar to continue on a path to the Caulfield Guineas.
“He’s a pretty exciting horse going forward,” Hayes said after Aysar took out Wednesday’s benchmark 64 for three-year-olds over 1300 metres.
Hayes pointed out that the colt was about 85 per cent fit.
“He did a good job. Luke (Nolen) rode him well,” Hayes said.
“He was a bit fresh and hit the front too soon and then he stargazed as he hadn’t run for 70 days. He will take a lot of benefit from this run.”
Hayes said Aysar would have his next start in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude on September 26 over 1400 metres as a lead-in run to the Group One feature.
Aysar ($1.95 fav) held off The Brumby ($8) by a long neck with Poland ($5.50) a half-length away third.
In the opening race, a 1600 metre three-year-old maiden, there was also talk of a major race goal with co-trainer David Eustace saying the winner Oceanography was being aimed at the Victoria Derby.
“This colt does everything we ask of him. He’s got a good constitution and he’s a professional horse,” Eustace said.
“We’ve gradually increased his workload and he’ll get a bit further.”
Eustace said the Derby Trial over 1800 metres at Flemington on September 23 was the perfect next start for the horse.
Succeed Indeed also got a win on the board at Sandown and the Leon and Troy Corstens stable will set her for the VRC Oaks.
She will have her next start in the Oaks Trial, also over 1800 metres at Flemington on September 23.