Trainer Barry Baldwin won’t rule out dodging next month’s Doomben summer series in favour of a trip to Sydney with talented sprinter Havatryst.
Havatryst will attempt to maintain his unbeaten record this campaign in Saturday’s Simon George & Sons Plate (1200m) at Doomben.
The four-year-old scored a last-stride win in his comeback for jockey Chris Munce in a 1200-metre Class 6 at Eagle Farm on October 22 but will be ridden by Jim Byrne in his second-up appearance.
Munce will be in Melbourne to ride Red Tracer in the Group One Emirates Stakes (1600m) on the last day of the spring carnival at Flemington.
Baldwin was confident Havatryst would bounce back to his best form last start after going winless in five appearances during the Brisbane winter carnival.
“I hadn’t trialled him but he had a jumpout and we were very confident he could win first-up,” Baldwin said.
“He’s improved further with the run under his belt but he had a tough run first-up.
“At the moment we’re targeting the summer series but I do think it’s going to be a very strong series this year.
“If it is I wouldn’t rule out sending him to Sydney for a race.”
Baldwin is hopeful Havatryst is back to his best form which he showed earlier in his career when he was unbeaten in his first three starts including one at Randwick on Boxing Day last year.
“He’s had a few problems, particularly with one of his hind legs, and a few niggling issues,” he said.
“Touch wood he seems to be over all of them now.”
Baldwin’s long-range goal with Havatryst is another crack at the Brisbane winter carnival.
“If he wins on Saturday and then takes the next step up I’m sure he’ll measure up to the winter next year,” he said.
Baldwin felt Havatryst may have been playing with his tongue during his winter campaign which contributed to his below-par performances.
Meanwhile, Baldwin hopes to qualify First To Go for the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast in January when the filly lines up in Saturday’s Maxgaming Handicap (1010m).
First To Go has earned only $2,000 in prize money from two unplaced runs which included a last-start sixth to Top Rada at Doomben last week.
“She’s only tiny and this will be her third run already,” Baldwin said.
“On paper this looks an easier race for her and it was a good run last start when she sat three deep outside the leader and only got beaten around two lengths.”
AAP TURF
