Hayes Opts For Raid On $1m Golden Rose

The Age

Wednesday August 27, 2008

Michael Sharkie

FLEMINGTON trainers David Hayes and Steve Richards have planned ambitious raids with three-year-olds All American and Outdo this weekend, with both horses headed to Sydney to tackle the group 2 $1 million, 1400-metre Golden Rose.

Hayes and managing part-owner John Messara of Arrowfield Stud have opted to start All American, runner-up in the Blue Diamond this year, first-up in the 1400 feature. "It is a $1 million race and the alternative was to run him in a $100,000 race at Caulfield," Messara said.

The lure of the lucrative group 2 contest also convinced Richards to head north with Outdo.

After finishing 10th in the Vain Stakes a fortnight ago, when Richards said the horse raced "too fresh", Outdo is likely to start one of the outsiders in Saturday's race, although after drawing barrier 10 Richards is expecting a better performance.

Richards believes Outdo will come into his own as he is stepped up in distance.

"His dam was second in an Auckland Cup and third in a New Zealand Cup, both at two miles," Richards said. "He's always looked like a horse who'd appreciate a mile and beyond."

Richards must wait until tomorrow's final acceptances for the Memsie Stakes before finalising the next phase of stable star Playwright's spring campaign.

Currently 25th in order of entry for the Memsie, Richards is not confident Playwright will gain a start in the final field.

Eighth in the Aurie's Star handicap at Flemington when resuming, Playwright may head to Sydney for weight-for-age races over the coming weeks if he fails to get a berth in the Memsie.

Star West Australian galloper El Presidente is out of the spring carnival after pulling up lame following a barrier trial on Monday.

© 2008 The Age

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