The Listed Heritage Stakes shapes as a Group One acid test for some of Sydney’s fledgling three-year-olds.
Trainer James Cummings has Hair Trigger in Saturday’s 1100m-race at Randwick and believes horses that perform well are destined for bigger targets during spring.
“It’s a Group Two in disguise,” Cummings said.
“These horses are just below the ones we saw in the Golden Rose.
“If you’re competitive in this then those are the sorts of horses you’ll see in a Roman Consul Stakes or even a Coolmore (Stud Stakes).”
Hair Trigger is coming off a trial win on September 5 following an eight-week let up after placing behind Thronum and Tango Rain.
“He’s freshened up nicely and I think he’ll run well,” Cummings said.
Group-placed Thronum went on to run in the Golden Rose while Tango Rain was runner-up to San Domenico Stakes winner Star Turn.
Cummings is wary of the unbeaten Russian Revolution who won the Group Three Vain Stakes at his last start.
Russian Revolution’s co-trainer Paul Snowden believes the colt has a fitness edge over many of his rivals.
“He’s a talented horse going forward,” Snowden said.
“The Coolmore for him is a logical target, but whether he gets there or he’s good enough that’s another thing.”
Russian Revolution and Tango Rain are $3.60 equal favourites with Hair Trigger sharing the second line of betting with Kris Lees-trained Guard Of Honour.
The Snowdens’ other runner Jericho resumes in the Heritage and is a $9.50 hope.
“He wintered up in Brisbane and when the wash-out meeting came he lost his race he was earmarked for and subsequently went to the paddock a little bit earlier,” Snowden said.
“He’s come back in fine form and the blinkers applied may hold the key to him.”
Hawkes Racing will hope their remarkable success with three-year-olds can continue in the Heritage courtesy of Spirit And Fire who is also at $9.50
Echo Effect, at $18, has been impressive on the provincial circuit with three wins from her first three starts and trainer Kristen Buchanan hopes she can replace recently retired stakes winner Two Blue as her stable star.
