Vega Magic is making a smooth transition to Sydney with an impressive gallop at Randwick indicating the sprinter is right on track for the $10 million Everest.
Ben Hayes, the junior partner in the Victorian-based Lindsay Park training team, issued a positive report after Vega Magic worked with stablemate, fellow Everest contender Redkirk Warrior on Monday.
“He worked excellent, I was really happy with how relaxed he was during his first look at the track,” Hayes said.
He could not separate the pair as the stable’s best chance in the world’s richest race on turf on Saturday at Randwickl.
Regan Bayliss came up from Melbourne to ride the pair on Monday and could not split them.
“He couldn’t tell me. He said they were both really good. They went through the gears nicely and hit the line strong,” Hayes said.
The joint second favourite at $6 alongside Chautauqua and behind She Will Reign ($4.60), Vega Magic has won his past four starts including three since he was transferred to David Hayes, his son and Tom Dabernig last December.
The gelding claimed the Group One Goodwood (1200m) on debut for the stable at Morphettville in May. He returned to action in August, winning the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield and then firmed as a contender for the Everest (1200m) after the winning the Group One Memsie Stakes at Caulfield early last month.
He occupies the slot taken by a group headed by prominent owner Max Whitby.
Ben Hayes also has a high opinion of Redkirk Warrior who runs for Star Entertainment Group.
He comes to the race after a win in the Group Two Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) on September 16 at Flemington.
The seven-year-old raced twice at Randwick over autumn but struggled on heavy tracks in the Group One Doncaster Mile and All Aged Stakes, so Hayes was happy with Sydney’s current dry spell.
“Last time didn’t suit him but his work has been good and he’s very good fresh,” he said.
Redkirk Warrior is at $9 while Lindsay Park will also saddleup $51 outsider, Tulip.
The three-year-old, by Coolmore stallion Pierro, will represent the stud after it decided to keep Caravaggio at home in Ireland.
“We’ve got a Group One sprinter at home and she won the gallop.” Hayes said.
“She was beaten five lengths by She Will Reign in the Golden Slipper but she was pushed out the whole way down the straight.”
