Lindsay Park trainer Ben Hayes is not fully aware of all the problems Tatsumaki had in Hong Kong, but one thing he does know they were numerous.
Now in the care of Ben, Will and J D Hayes, Tatsumaki will have his first start in just on three-and-a-half years when he steps out in the Barastoc Handicap (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
The Barastoc Handicap is one of the lesser races on Saturday’s program, but Tatsumaki is one of the day’s most intriguing runners.
Tatsumaki started his career in the UK with Marco Botti winning his only three starts at Newmarket between August and October 2021.
Shortly after he was shipped to Hong Kong and joined the Tony Cruz stable and after four trials got to the stage of being entered for a race in October 2022, only to be scratched with a swollen left fore.
After an 18-month recuperation and transferring to the care on Benno Yung, the gelding again got to the trialling stage before again going amiss and being sent to Australia.
Tatsumaki is part-owned by Edmund Lee who has had considerable success with Lindsay Park, including dual Newmarket Handicap winner Redkirk Warrior and dual Australian Cup winner Harlem.
“He was a horse that was bought to race in Hong Kong but unfortunately broke down with a bowed tendon,” Ben Hayes said.
“I don’t know the full story in Hong Kong, but he arrived to us and went straight into work after doing all his rehab up in Hong Kong.
“He’s had a nice build up. He’s had three nice jump outs which have all been good.
“He’s got a good rating, and it looks a nice race for him.”
Hayes concedes he is not sure what Tatsumaki will deliver on Saturday, but the stable has been impressed with his jump-outs, two at Pakenham and once at Flemington.
The gelding has spent most of time at Lindsay Park’s Euroa property but has also travelled to their stables at Flemington and Pakenham.
“He’s been to all our facilities and has settled in well,” Hayes said.
“We’re conscious that he hasn’t raced for a long, long time, but he seems really sound, a happy horse, but you just never know what you’re going to get after three-and-a-half years between runs.
“It will be a really interesting watch for us as we’ll learn a lot about him, especially how he reacts at the races on the day.”
