The jockey has a big opinion of Saturday’s Flemington winner Shanghai Warrior and the trainer an even bigger one.
But the two have vastly different ideas about the future of the talented colt.
Shanghai Warrior ($6.50) scored a victory in the Bob Skilton Handicap (1100m) that prompted trainer Pat Hyland to suggest he might be capable of measuring up in better spring races.
Bombalatomba winning the Bob Skilton Handicap at Flemington - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
“He’ll run a mile alright, maybe more,” Hyland said.
“And if he can run 2000m, there’s a good race at Moonee Valley for him.”
Hyland’s thinly-veiled reference to the Cox Plate is more than ambitious, but he wasn’t joking.
“He’s always shown well above average ability – well above average,” he said.
“When he ran first-up the other day he was more underdone than I thought, but today he was much better.”
While jockey Glen Boss was similarly optimistic, he doubted Shanghai Warrior could be stretched beyond 1600m.
“He’s going to be very strong at seven furlongs (1400m) and maybe a mile (1600m),” Boss said.
“But that’s his limit if you ask me.”
As for measuring up to spring class, however, Boss agreed with Hyland.
“Pat told me had a very good horse before I rode him and he was right,” he said.
“That was a terrific win, there’s bound to be a race for him in the spring.”
Shanghai Warrior settled in midfield before moving into the race at the 300m and running away to win by 1-1/4 lengths.
Balzeus ($21) ran on well to finish second, a half length in front of Baron Douro ($5.50).
