David Hayes believes Laristan can produce a bold showing in Saturday’s Group One BMW, but it’s the Sydney Cup three weeks later when he expects the imported stayer to really shine.
Hayes was in Sydney on Thursday morning to watch Laristan in his final preparations for the $2.25 million 2400-metre weight-for-age feature at Rosehill.
“He will run the mile and a half (2400m) but I think under handicap conditions in the Sydney Cup he’ll be better suited,” Hayes said.
Laristan has had four starts in Australia since being purchased from Europe last year, with Saturday’s The BMW to be the entire’s first Sydney appearance.
The son of Sinndar was a 2400m Listed winner in France and was recommended to Hayes by bloodstock agent Hubie De Burgh and also Melbourne Cup-winning hoop Gerald Mosse.
The import was purchased with this year’s Melbourne Cup in mind.
“He was only a three-year-old in the spring last year so I didn’t hurt him,” Hayes said.
“We gave him just the one race and I reckon it’s standing him in good stead now.”
Laristan resumed over 1600m at Caulfield in February’s Carlyon Cup before going on to win a 2000m Open Handicap at Flemington a week before the Group One Australian Cup (2000m).
In the Australian Cup, Laristan battled on in the straight to finish sixth, four lengths behind the winner Shocking.
“He was very good the start before the Australian Cup in a small but competitive field, and then in the Australian Cup there was a breakneck pace and he got a bit involved in the speed duel up front,” Hayes said.
“I thought he did remarkably well, of the on-pace horses he was the first one home.
“I just think at weight-for-age he wants a mile and a half (2400m), not 2000 metres.”
Melbourne Cup runner-up Maluckyday is the $2.70 favourite with TAB Sportsbet with Caulfield Cup winner Descarado at $3.60 on the back of his close second to Zavite in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m) last start.
Australian Cup runner-up Linton is the only other horse under double-figure odds at $6.50, with Laristan $18.
While expecting Laristan to be better suited over 3200m in the Sydney Cup on April 23 at Randwick, Hayes said he “wouldn’t be surprised if he had a first three finish on Saturday”.
Hayes also has Extra Zero in The BMW and was pleased with his second to Paddy O’Reilly in last Friday’s Albury Cup (2000m).
“I was really happy with Extra Zero’s run the other day, it looked like he was looking for a mile and a half and he probably didn’t have the best of luck,” the trainer said.
AAP TURF
