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Caulfield Cup plan for talented son of Sea The Stars Al Aasy

While William Haggas was unwilling to commit to a third trip with three-time Australian Group 1 winner Addeybb (Pivotal) next year, the Newmarket-based trainer is eyeing other prizes in the country. 

Having landed the Ranvet Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) last year, Addeybb added a second victory in the latter on Saturday when beating Verry Elleegant (Zed) in a thrilling battle at Randwick. 

However, the trainer is the first to admit a third trip to Australia maybe a bridge too far for the gelding who will be eight if he returns in 2022. 

"He's going to be eight years old so whether he comes back or we come back I don't know yet,'' Haggas told RSN927.

Haggas said Addeybb could likely tackle the Prince Of Wales's Stakes (Gr 1, 1m2f) at Royal Ascot in June, he ran second in the race last year after returning from Sydney, or have a longer break and head to the Eclipse Stakes (Gr 1, 1m2f) in July.

"This horse has got to have a break at some stage, he had a break after Royal Ascot last year and a break after the Champion Stakes,'' he said.

"You can't keep them going on and on in training, you've got to rekindle that enthusiasm. We'll see how he travels."

Meanwhile, Haggas has identified Al Aasy (Sea The Stars) - who opened his four-year-old account with a victory in the John Porter Stakes (Gr 3, 1m4f) at Newbury on Sunday - as the perfect candidate for the Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m). 

"We have a good quality stable this year and we had a nice winner with a young winner at Newbury, Al Aasy, one of Shadwell's," said Haggas. 

"He would be perfect for the Caulfield Cup, he can go any way around. He won a mile-and-a-half race by four or five lengths."

Meanwhile, Haggas said NE Manion Cup (Gr 3, 2400m) winner Favorite Moon (Sea The Moon) - who finished 13th in the Sydney Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) - could remain in Australia after connections accepted an offer for the horse.

"I heard last night the owners had accepted an offer, so I think he is going to be vetted tomorrow morning. So it will be a bit tight because he is due to fly on Wednesday and there really can't be any 50/50s.

"I wish we had been doing this two weeks ago, but that was not to be."