Harlow Gold bigger and stronger for autumn

David Hayes believes all the signs suggest VRC Oaks runner-up Harlow Gold is in for a big autumn.

That will be put to the test for the first time when the filly resumes in Saturday’s Group Three The Vanity (1400m) at Flemington on a path towards the ATC Australian Oaks in Sydney.

Harlow Gold began her spring campaign last year in a Sale maiden before breaking through for her first win at Pakenham by four lengths.

She then won a city race against the colts and geldings at Caulfield to earn a crack at the Group One Thousand Guineas in which she finished fifth.

After a midfield finish in the Group Two Vase at Moonee Valley, Harlow Gold rounded out her spring with a second to bold frontrunner Lasqueti Spirit in the Group One VRC Oaks (2500m) on November 3.

“She’s bigger, she’s stronger and more relaxed,” Hayes, who trains in partnership with his son Ben and nephew Tom Dabernig, said.

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“So I think she’s in for a very good preparation.”

All going wellshe will head to Sydney for the ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) in April via the Group One Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).

Hayes believes Harlow Gold could be sharp enough to make her presence felt in The Vanity over a shorter course.

“Going by her trials, I’d say she could be,” Hayes said.

Harlow Gold also holds a nomination for the Group One Australian Guineas (1600m) which is two weeks after The Vanity at Flemington.

“It would need to be a dominant performance to consider it,” Hayes said.

Harlow Gold is on the second line of betting at $3.90 behind Legless Veuve who is the $3 favourite after her first-up win over the colts and geldings in the Group Three Manfred Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.