A horse Jim Cassidy hopes can figure prominently in the spring carnival will make his seasonal return at Randwick on Saturday.
Imported stayer Hathras is set to resume in the Calcoup Knitwear Handicap (1600m) and will be one of four rides for Cassidy on the eight-race program.
Hathras - Photo by Steve Hart
The high-profile hoop only returned to race riding last weekend after a winter break and quickly found his way to the winner’s stall aboard Velrosso.
Hathras is likely to need a longer trip to produce his best form but Cassidy is confident he is a talent on the rise.
“I think he’s a horse going somewhere,” Cassidy said.
“He went to the next level last time. He was competitive in the BMW.”
Trained by Kris Lees, the German import won two of his five starts last campaign, highlighted by a thumping nine-length victory over 2200m at Warwick Farm in March.
Stepped up to Group One company in the BMW he wasn’t disgraced, finishing seventh and less than 2-1/2 lengths behind winner Fiveandahalfstar.
Cassidy says the expanses of Randwick should allow Hathras to hit the line strongly.
“Running at Randwick first-up over a mile will suit him,” he said.
“I’m sure you will see him doing his best work over the last 200 metres.”
Hathras has been nominated for the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate but his more immediate targets could include next month’s Newcastle Cup and the Group One Metropolitan in October.
