With a record of six wins from eight rides aboard Headley Grange, it is little wonder the gelding’s connections are pinning their faith in Adam Hyeronimus to get the best from him in the All Aged Stakes at Randwick.
The five-year-old turned in a brace of slashing performances to start his campaign, rocketing to the line for fourth behind Joliestar first-up in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m) and again doing his best work late when fifth to Autumn Glow in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m).
However, his temperament brought him undone last time out in the Doncaster Mile (1600m) when he became fizzy and difficult to load before eventually finishing seventh.
Trainer Joe Pride is hoping the return of Hyeronimus can help keep his charge in a positive frame of mind this weekend.
“Adam is back on, and Adam seems to get on really well with him and it’s the pre-race antics that cost him,” Pride said.
“Hopefully Adam can make a fair difference for us on Saturday.
“He is capable at his best. In the weight-for-age Canterbury Stakes over 1300 metres he ran a terrific race first-up and it’s a similar set-up here. It’s around that trip and weight-for-age, so I think he can be competitive. But I want to see him do the little things right.”
Pride described Headley Grange as “a kid’s pony” around the stable but said the horse at times got himself worked up on race days.
However, along with the return of Hyeronimus, whose six wins on the horse include an Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) victory last spring from barrier 17, Pride will also employ the use of pacifiers pre-race.
“It’s the little percentages we’re trying to play,” he said.
“They’re pretty simple creatures, horses. You’ve got to continue changing things for them if they’re doing things wrong. If they’re not, don’t change anything.
“It’s not an easy task on Saturay. It’s a hot field. As good an All Aged field as I can remember seeing, to be honest.”
Headley Grange has drawn the outside barrier of 14 in the All Aged Stakes (1400m) and Pride expects him to roll forward and settle in the first half of the field.
Pride’s assessment of it as a stellar renewal is supported by the fact Headley Grange and Angel Capital are the only two non-Group 1 winners in the line up, while the past three victors of the race – Jimmysstar, Magic Time and Giga Kick – are all back to contest Saturday’s edition.
