THREE decades have passed since a member of one of Australian racing’s famous dynasties grabbed Newcastle Gold Cup glory.
The now Hong Kong-based David Hayes won the 1993 edition with UK import Azzaam, ridden by Mick Dittman.
Now his three sons Ben, Will and JD are looking to win their own feature race at Friday’s Cup meeting – but this time in the Group 3 Cameron Handicap (1500m).
The Hayes boys have nominated Here To Shock, who has been installed as the early $4.50 favorite in the TAB.com.au market.
Lindsay Park’s racing manager Dom Rhoden late on Monday afternoon said there was every likelihood the seven-year-old gelding and son of 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking would be Newcastle-bound for a very specific reason.
“Here To Shock has also been nominated for the Testa Rossa Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, but we’re leaning strongly toward Newcastle,” Rhoden said.
“The Cameron Handicap carries eligibility for The Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick in early November, and we believe he would be a terrific chance in that race.
“Nash Rawiller has a booking for Here To Shock at Newcastle.”
Whilst the Cameron purse of $250,000 is $75,000 above the Testa Rossa, it is the lure of becoming eligible for the $3m The Big Dance which clearly is influencing Team Hayes to head to Newcastle with the nine-times winner.
The much-travelled Here To Shock won the Group 3 BRC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben in May, and resumed after a let-up when second to the talented Another Wil in a Benchmark 100 Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield on August 31.
Twenty-one horses were nominated for the Cameron, and 17 for the $250,000 Group 3 Tibbie Stakes (1400m) for fillies and mares.
However, entries for both the $300,000 Group 3 Gold Cup (2300m) and Hurricane Handicap (a 900m Benchmark 78 Handicap) have been extended until 11am on Tuesday.
Twelve horses have been nominated for the Cup, and nine for the Hurricane.
Coincidentally, David Hayes’ Azzaam won the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Royal Randwick earlier in the same year he was successful at Newcastle, and this year’s Sydney Cup winner Circle Of Fire has been entered for Friday’s Gold Cup.
However, he began his Melbourne Cup campaign only last Saturday at Flemington in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) when eighth to the Hayes-trained Mr Brightside.
Circle Of Fire’s trainer Ciaron Maher also nominated Duke De Sessa and Wyclif.
Impressive last start Randwick City Tatts Cup (2400m) winner Redstone Well (also entered for the 2000m Kingston Town Stakes at Randwick on Saturday), is the early $3.50 Newcastle Cup favorite, and Wyong’s Mona Lisa Stakes winner Terra Mater heads Tibbie betting at $3.80.
. Newcastle Jockey Club chief executive Duane Dowell says all is in readiness for a terrific Cup meeting.
“The pre-sales have been fantastic, and there is a good vibe around town,” Dowell said.
“The weather forecast is on our side, and we’re looking forward to a big day on Friday and again on Saturday (Ladies’ Day).”
Story John Curtis, September 16, 2024
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