Former Western Australian sprinter Hay List scooted away with the Manikato Stakes in breathtaking fashion at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
McNair's pre-race concerns about Hay List performing under lights proved totally unfounded as the 5-year-old made a one-act affair of the A$500,000 Manikato.
"I'm relieved ... that was only the third or fourth starter I've ever had at night," McNair told the Herald Sun.
Hay List scorched over the 1200m in 1:09.94, only 0.65sec outside Miss Andretti's track record.
And the scary fact, according to jockey Glyn Schofield, is that Hay List still hasn't reached his top.
Schofield rated Hay List as the "most exciting" horse he has ridden in many years and insisted he would only improve on the run.
He said Hay List didn't need to lead as he did on Friday night because he was equally effective racing with cover, and running under lights was never an issue.
"I think the best is still to come. He's just the perfect racehorse," Schofield said.
"He may have missed the start by about a neck, but he recovered in three strides and from that point just controlled the race.
"I honestly believe he's got improvement to come. I know John thought he was the best he's had him, but he's not the best he can get him.
"He still pulled up pretty big and burly. It's frightening how good this horse could be."
McNair said Hay List, a winner of 11 of his 13 starts, would run in the group two Moir Stakes at the Valley on Cox Plate Day on his way to the group one Patinack Farm Classic on the final day of the VRC Spring Carnival.
He said the 5-year-old then would head to West Australia, which would rule him out of going to Hong Kong.
"I think the horse will run a mile, but we'll keep him to sprints this preparation," McNair said. "I'm looking forward to him going up the straight at Flemington."
Craig Newitt said True Persuasion, the rank outsider at $51, gave him "heart flutter" before the home turn, when he thought he might challenge Hay List.
"If it was a handicap, I reckon I would beat him. He had 58.5kg and my bloke is a pony, but he's genuine," Newitt said.
Blake Shinn said All Silent ran on well to finish fifth and would be better suited at Flemington in the Patinack Farm Classic.
- AAP
Glyn Schofield on Hay List. Photo / Getty Images
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