By Patrick Bartley
David Hayes has ruled out any possibility of his outstanding multiple group 1-winning Vega Magic tackling this year's Cox Plate, but wouldn't rule out attempting such races next season.
As reasons to miss this year, Hayes cites the presence of Winx, who is aiming for a third Cox Plate, and the lure of the $10 million Everest at Randwick next month for Vega Magic.
Star galloper Vega Magic wins the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday.Credit: AAP
Connections of the former Western Australian, who romped away with last Saturday's $1 million Memsie Stakes at Caulfield, believe Vega Magic is capable winning a Cox Plate.
In fact, the huge sprinter's former trainer, Perth-based Sean Casey, told connections shortly before Vega Magic arrived in Victoria that the five-year-old could be a "dual Cox Plate winner".
However, Hayes is aware that Australia's richest horse race, the Everest, is a reality for Vega Magic.
"Obviously with Winx very much immersed in this year's Cox Plate and the fact that there's a $10 million sprint race two weeks before the Plate makes it impossible for any sort of preparation, but he will more than likely be a contender in the future," Hayes said.
"But next year it will be a different situation. He could have a genuine lead-up to a race like the Cox Plate and it seems with the scope and talent of the horse nothing is beyond him."
Since arriving in Victoria, Vega Magic is unbeaten in three starts and two of those were $1 million group 1 races, establishing the horse as one of the talents of Australian racing.
And, on the same day as the Everest, October 13, back in Melbourne the trainer could possibly have two fillies attempting the rare feat of winning the $2 million Caulfield Guineas.
In what could be a mammoth pay day for the stable, Hayes believes Tulip, who will start in Sydney on Saturday in the $200,000 Run To The Rose, together with Blue Diamond Stakes winner and stablemate, Catchy, warrant thought to be pitted against the colts in the Guineas.
"I can't fault either of them. I've never seen Tulip in better shape. She looked very good in her first run back at Moonee Valley and she's thrived ever since. She'll go to the Flight Stakes and from there, if she's successful she'll go straight into the Guineas," he said.
Hayes looks set for another spectacular day with runners in three states.
After an encouraging season return, He's Our Rokkii is an early favourite to land his first victory since last year's spring carnival when he runs in the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes.
Saturday's group 2 weight-for-age race at Moonee Valley has a field of 11, with last year's group 1 Toorak Handicap winner He's Our Rokkii to jump from the inside barrier.
"He had a really good spring last year and then he had a flat autumn," Hayes said.
"So then we just turned him out, reset him, and from his first-up run it looks like he's come back to his old spring form.
"We're really happy with him and think he's a really good chance on Saturday."
Hayes said He's Our Rokkii had come on since the PB Lawrence for the step up to 1600 metres on Saturday.