A sharp gallop by Hardham has convinced trainer Mick Price to change his plans with the colt and run him in the Danehill Stakes.
Price was originally going to wait until the Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) after Hardham’s midfield finish in the McNeil Stakes last Saturday week.
But after the colt worked in blinkers on Tuesday morning, the trainer decided he was ready to chase a Group Two win in Saturday’s 1200m straight-track sprint at Flemington.
“I worked Hardham in blinkers this morning. I wasn’t going to run him but he worked really good and it’s a Group Two race,” Price said.
Craig Newitt rode the colt in the gallop and Price said the three-year-old showed a good turn of foot and a bit of dash.
“For what’s at stake and what’s to be gained if he does run well, I’ll definitely run him,” Price said.
Damien Oliver has ridden Hardham in his two starts this spring but is already booked to ride Saracino in the Danehill Stakes which will be the New Zealand colt’s first Australian start.
Price also has Yu Long Sheng Hui and Lankan Rupee’s three-quarter sister Inspired Estelle nominated for the Danehill but they will both run in the Listed Pin & Win Stakes over 1400m on Saturday’s program.
