Will Hulbert suspects Hail Manhattan might find his opposition a touch slick in Saturday’s Healy Stakes, but feels the horse will again showcase he’s on target for a couple of features a little further down the track.
Hail Manhattan came through the grades last prep to provide Hulbert and his father Peter a breakthrough stakes success in their training partnership when winning in Listed grade over 1600m at the Sunshine Coast.
He resumed in the 1000m Lightning Stakes at Eagle Farm and most expected him to be run off his feet, so it was very pleasing for connections to see him making such good ground at the end, to only be beaten two lengths by Usmanov in finishing fourth.
“It was a terrific run first up in that sort of class,” Hulbert said.
“It was the first time he’d let down at Eagle Farm too, so that was promising to warrant going back there again.”
Hail Manhattan now steps up to 1200m in Group 3 grade against some classy opposition, which includes Magic Millions winners Exhilarates and Away Game.
“His last 100m (first up) was really good, he closed in good late, so you would think further will suit him better,” Hulbert said.
“His work Saturday was good. Ryan Wiggins galloped him (Tuesday) and thought he worked even sharper.
“It’s a lot tougher race … if he can run top five, he’s on the right path, we can go to the Glasshouse (at the Sunshine Coast) and then the Rocky Cup.”
Those races are over 1400m and 1600m and Hulbert would be happy to see some rain about next week for the Caloundra race.
“I think he has improved this prep and he showed that first up,” he said.
Meanwhile, the stable’s Rough Habit Plate winner Criminal Defence has been sold to Hong Kong interests, with only a blood report to come before the sale is completed.
Hulbert admits it will be a little sad to see him go, but it comes with a silver lining.
“Yes, but the money makes it a bit easier,” he said.
