A pleasing track gallop and the absence of Black Caviar has Glyn Schofield optimistic Hay List can return to the winners’ circle in Sunday’s Challenge Stakes.
Schofield went to Gosford on Wednesday morning to partner the hulking sprinter in his final piece of work ahead of Sunday’s Group Two Challenge Stakes (1000m) at Warwick Farm.
It was the first time Schofield had been on the Group One winner’s back since before he was scratched on the eve of the Group One Newmarket Handicap (1200m), won emphatically by Black Caviar.
Hay List was withdrawn from the Newmarket due to soreness in his off-side shoulder.
The sprinter hasn’t raced since he was left in Black Caviar’s wake when second first-up in the Lightning Stakes (1000m) but Schofield said the gelding’s shoulder felt fine.
“He did a bit of pacework, his last piece of work before Sunday, and he felt good,” Schofield said.
“Normally he is no flash horse in the mornings but he feels good, he looks good and I’m pretty happy with him.”
Hay List, winner of 12 of his 16 starts including last year’s Group One Manikato Stakes, is among 16 nominations for Sunday’s weight-for-age sprint.
“There’s no Black Caviar in there which will be nice, and I’m looking forward to it,” Schofield said.
“Obviously he’s got to win it first, but without her in the race it probably makes things a lot easier.
“I’m sure it will be an interesting race nonetheless with the other runners, so he’s still going to need to be on top of his game.”
Before Sunday’s Challenge Stakes meeting, Schofield will partner Caulfield Guineas winner Anacheeva for the first time in Saturday’s Group One Rosehill Guineas.
Anacheeva finished sixth at his most recent start in the Group One Australian Guineas (1600m) and hasn’t found his top form so far this preparation.
The Peter Moody-trained colt has drawn barrier one in the Rosehill Guineas for his first attempt at 2000m.
“He drew gate one and Pete (Moody) seems very happy with the horse,” Schofield said.
“He wasn’t quite happy with his couple of races this time in but says he’s really turned the corner since his last run. I don’t know the horse so I can take a lot of confidence out of what Pete tells me.”
AAP TURF
