The $2 million Hill Stakes will be a fork in the road for import Hoo Ya Mal with connections hoping he can prove himself worthy of another Melbourne Cup bid.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott has been rapt with the five-year-old’s two runs from a spell, including his midfield effort in the 7 Stakes (1600m) last start, but he wants to see him featuring at the business end of Saturday’s 1900-metre race.
“We’ll probably still look to end up in a Melbourne Cup. He’s got nominations for the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate following Saturday’s race so they’re a couple of races we could potentially see him in,” Bott said.
“We’re getting close to those feature races now, so he needs to be putting his hand up on Saturday to go down that path.
“His two runs have been excellent over distances well short of his best where he just got a bit out of his ground.
“Hopefully from the nice draw (barrier six) he can sit himself a bit closer and if he can keep that sharpness over that sort of trip, he will be very effective.”
A Group 2 winner over 2800 metres in England, Hoo Ya Mal contested last year’s Melbourne Cup, finishing twelfth to Gold Trip.
He was subsequently gelded and Bott said that had made a significant difference to his attitude, as reflected by his two competitive performances in weight-for-age races.
“He’s a different horse this preparation now that he’s gelded,” Bott said.
“He is relaxing in his races and his whole demeanour, he’s a much happier horse going to the races.
“He’s still eligible for easier races than weight-for-age company, but I think he’s been very effective at it at the mile so getting out to 1900, he can be very good.”
Adam Hyeronimus, who combined with Bott and training partner Gai Waterhouse to capture last weekend’s Group 1 Flight Stakes aboard Tropical Squall, has ridden Hoo Ya Mal in his two spring starts and retains the mount.
The horse is a $4.60 second favourite for the Hill Stakes and a $34 chance for the 2023 Melbourne Cup with Boombet.
