Senior Lindsay Park trainer David Hayes expects Redkirk Warrior to prove his readiness for his racing return in a second jump-out at Flemington.
In preparation for a first-up tilt at the Group One VRC Sprint Classic at Flemington on November 10, the straight-track specialist will have a jump-out on Friday.
The gelding has an impeccable first-up record at Flemington over the straight course winning the Newmarket Handicap over 1200m last year and returning in February this year to claim the 1000m Group One Lightning Stakes.
Redkirk Warrior then went on to claim a second victory in the Newmarket Handicap the following month.
The only time Redkirk Warrior has failed up the Flemington straight course was in the Darley Classic last year when 11th behind Redzel.
That came after he had beaten two home in The Everest at Randwick at his previous start.
Hayes, who trains in partnership with his son Ben and nephew Tom Dabernig, said there would be considerable improvement from Redkirk Warrior after his unplaced trial down the straight at Flemington on Friday.
“He blew out. It was only his first trial but next week he'll go like a rocket,” Hayes said.
“That's how a lot of mine go in their first trial.
“It was a hot trial where he was up against race-fit, Everest horses.
“He didn't have his blinkers on, didn't have his tongue tie on, he wasn't shaved down.
“He'll improve a heap next week.
“Another trial and then game day.”
Redkirk Warrior hasn't raced since finishing 10th in the July Cup at Newmarket won by U S Navy Flag after his unplaced effort behind Merchant Navy in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
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