Racing: Aussie trip making of Hiflyer

Hiflyer did all that was asked of him at a trial in Matamata last week. Photo / Race Images

A powerful workout at Matamata on Thursday by stable star Hiflyer has Te Aroha trainer Peter Lock excited about his prospects for the first group one contest of the season at Hastings this weekend.

Hiflyer will start as one of the well fancied candidates for the Tarzino Trophy (1400m), sitting on the second line of betting at $6 in the TAB's Fixed Odds market behind $3.80 favourite Melody Belle.

Lock believes the Tavistock gelding's recent Australian campaign has been the making of the six-year-old, who finished fourth in both his starts at Rosehill.

"He seems to have grown up as a result of that trip and is a different horse now," Lock said. "I can't believe how good he looks and he's turned plenty of heads lately. Sir Patrick Hogan, who co-owns him, came over home on Friday and told me he's never seen a horse look so good after coming back from Australia."

Lock has had his star ticking over nicely since his return from Sydney, with his gallop at Matamata confirming he is near his peak for Saturday's contest.

"His work was just massive on Thursday," he said. "He did exactly what I asked of him and he's been bouncing since then. I guess now all we're looking for is a good draw and a little piece of luck in the race."

While most trainers will be anxiously scanning the weather forecasts this week, Lock is in the enviable position of having a galloper adept in all track conditions.

"Like most of the horses, we'll be suited best by a decent track, but if it did rain, then we may have a small advantage over some of the runners," he said. "He's won on a heavy track at Trentham, so we know he can handle it if it does get very wet.

"I think for the good of racing, we need a good surface so we can see the best perform, but I won't be worried if it does cut up a bit rough.

"I actually asked Sir Patrick to do his best with the weather gods, so I've got my fingers crossed his contacts can come through."

Hiflyer will also enjoy the services of regular pilot Johnathan Parkes, who sits atop the Jockeys' Premiership after picking up a winning treble at New Plymouth on the weekend.

The Tarzino has been hit by some high-profile withdrawals in the past week, with one-time favourite Julius coming out last Tuesday.

He has been joined on the missing list by Shadows Cast because of a lack of trials in the Central Districts, while Contessa Vanessa will also not be starting after having a chequered run in the Foxbridge Plate at Te Rapa.

That could see stablemates New York Minute and Francaletta fighting for the last spot in the race, with Dolcetto, who is ranked between the pair, not certain to start.

The field for the first group one of the season is declared tomorrow.

- NZ Racing Desk