Redkirk Warrior posts first Australian win
The Australian Cup is a likely autumn target for Redkirk Warrior, with co-trainer David Hayes convinced the former Hong Kong galloper can reach the top level in Australia.
Redkirk Warrior notched his first Australian win in his second local appearance in Saturday’s Group Three Yarramalong Racing Club Stakes (1500m) at Sandown.
Hayes said he was now likely to back-off the lightly raced six-year-old gelding and target the autumn carnival although the Kingston Town Stakes in Perth could be a consideration.
“He’s a Group One horse for sure,” Hayes said.
“He had awful feet problems and we’ve got on top of them. And he’s got the scope and race manners about him that tells me he’s a very good horse.
“At the moment we’re probably focusing on the autumn carnival.
“There’s an 1800 (metre race in Perth) in three weeks which is tempting but I think he’s done a pretty good job this preparation to get back on the racetrack and if we ease him, he’ll be a star in the autumn.”
Redkirk Warrior hadn’t raced for almost 12 months when he made his Australian debut at Moonee Valley last month , finishing second, and he was made to fight in Saturday’s race.
Craig Newitt made a mid-race move on Un De Sceaux and then he skipped clear in the straight before Redkirk Warrior and Stratum Star chased him down.
Redkirk Warrior, the $2.80 favourite, got home by a long neck over Stratum Star with 1-3/4 lengths to Un De Sceaux.
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