Wet Track No Everest for Vega says Hayes
Co-trainer David Hayes says Vega Magic’s class will overcome a wet track in The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Heavy rain is expected in Sydney this week, but Hayes is adamant the Perth-owned sprinter will adapt to the conditions.
“I am sure he is better on rock hard track, but like a lot of good horses he is effective on wet,” Hayes told TABradio.
“He is as effective as anything in the race and is very fit coming back from 1400m. I think he will be fine.”
Vega Magic is seeking redemption after running an unlucky second in the inaugural The Everest last year.
Ridden by Craig Williams, Vega Magic settled off the speed out wide before charging home behind eventual winner, Redzel.
Hayes is hoping for atonement and said he was looking forward to going one better than 12-months ago.
“I would put it down to him being unlucky,” Hayes said.
“He got back, but was still caught wide.
“He was charging at the end on a leader dominated race.
“He has got the blinkers on this year.
“He will take a forward position and hopefully get the job done.
“I couldn’t be happier with him going into the race.”
Vega Magic won last year’s Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield before his runner-up finish in The Everest.
Despite finishing fourth in the Memsie Stakes nearly six weeks ago, Hayes says Vega Magic is going as well as last year.
“His prep is virtually identical,” Hayes said.
“Last year he won the Memsie and this year he got taken on in front.
“The two horses that ran with him ran last and subsequently have run well.
“He was fighting out the finish and just got pipped late.
“Last year he was running down on his bumpers a bit and this year he is not.
“So I actually think he is in better form and we couldn’t get him any better.
“When he won the Goodwood and the Memsie I wouldn’t think he is any better than he is right here today.”
Vega Magic will be ridden by Damien Oliver.
