3 minute read

A piece of work at The Valley during week has Ben Hayes expecting Aysar to return to winning form.

Lindsay Park trainers Ben and JD Hayes were left disappointed with the first-up run of Aysar at Flemington, a horse they say is one of the better gallopers in their stable. 

But Ben Hayes is expecting a far better showing when the son of Deep Field steps out in the Listed Chatauqua Stakes (1200m) at The Valley on Saturday. 

Aysar, a former Shadwell Australia-owned galloper, was having his first start for new connections when he finished a fading 11th behind The Astrologist in the Group 3 Aurie's Star Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on August 7. 

Hayes said Aysar's freshness and racing down the straight for the first time were mitigating factors for the disappointing display. 

"We wanted Jamie (Kah) to ride him with cover, but he flew the gates and ran a bit free the first 600 metres," Hayes said. 

"But the horse since has done really well. He's really tightened up. 

"He's had a jump-out in between and we took him to The Valley for a gallop and he was excellent. 

"We've got Luke Nolen aboard who has ridden him, and won on him, before and he has given him a glowing report as well. 

"I'm really expecting him to bounce back." 

Aysar has won two of his 10 starts and did finish second to Ole Kirk in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) last spring. 

Hayes said Saturday's performance will shape where Aysar heads next. 

"He's a horse that has a lot of ability and I think he's one of the best horses in our yard, so it would be good to see him bounce back on Saturday," Hayes said. 

"After Saturday he may go to the Sir Rupert Clarke if he runs well, then there is the option of The Golden Eagle, or we could come back for the Darley Sprint Classic. 

"There's plenty of options available for him."