After things didn’t go to script when resuming last week, Hazewillrev will be looking to get his three-year-old preparation back on track in a Three-Year-Old and older no more than four lifetime win race over 2200m in Launceston on Sunday night.
The Art Major gelding won all four races he contested as a two-year-old but was retired from his first-up start last week in Launceston, where he missed the start by approximately 80m after galloping when leaving the pre-race circle. He was then checked and broke down the back straight the final time before retiring from the race.
“I had a pole on him, and I thought it may have helped Gareth (Rattray, driver) keep him a bit straighter as he can drift up the track at times, and I have got the feeling that was the problem as much as anything. So I have taken that off this week,” said the gelding’s trainer, Craig Hayes.
“He chased hard and caught up, and Gareth said he was still travelling pretty well and that he tried to sneak up and get a bit of a cart up, but then that happened and put an end to that.
“He pulled up good. When he came back up, you wouldn’t have known he had had a run.
“I thought I would nominate him, as Gareth said he paced really well when he got him going. So I gave him a few days off and gave him a hit out on Thursday, and I was really happy with him, and I decided to push on with him,” added Hayes.
Hazewillrev went into that race first-up with no trial after a spell.
“He done really well (with his break) and had grown a bit.
“His work said he was ready. I have nothing for him to work with, which is not ideal. But he is a good track worker, and he is pulling up really well from his work. I didn’t think he needed the run (last start). He was ready to race,” said Hayes.
As a result of being put out of the draw after last week’s start, the pacer has drawn barrier three on the second line for Sunday’s event.
“It’s an easier race than the week before when we had Indelible and All For Dave, who are two pretty good horses on their day.
Hayes indicated that the Tasmanian Derby, the Beautide Three-Year Old Prelude, and the Beautide are likely targets for this preparation.
“He gives me the impression he has gotten stronger (this time in), so that’s what he would have to do if he ran in races like that. But we will be guided in what he does in the next couple of runs. He will have a couple and then have a let-up and go again, but we are none the wiser after last week.”
Sunday’s eight-race card commences at 17:49 and will be telecast on Sky Racing 1 and TasracingTV.
