Crosshaven (Smart Missile) will be out to break a run of outs when he contests the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Lindsay Park trainers Ben and JD Hayes are hoping the four-year-old gelding can recapture his three-year-old form which included wins in the Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m), Gr.3 Guineas Prelude (1400m) and Listed Exford Plate (1400m).
Since then Crosshaven has failed to salute the judge, although he has notched two placings, one in the Gr.1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in February and two starts ago when second in the Gr.3 Chatam Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on November 6.
“He was nearly a winner over Cup week. We thought he was going to give a good shout, but he just fell short,” JD Hayes told RSN.
“But I think he’s coming into form and is in for a good summer period.
“In the early months of January and February, if he can translate his trackwork into race day, he might be able to win a couple.”
The lightly raced son of Smart Missile will be lining-up for his 15th start on Saturday.
He has registered five wins with two minor placings and almost A$650,000 in prize money.
Hayes expects Crosshaven to continue his consistent form after performing well in a jump-out at Flemington last week.
“He trialled really well last Friday, and we think he’s in a good spot,” Hayes said.
“If the Crosshaven we knew from his three-year-old days turns up, he’ll be hard to beat.”
An $80,000 yearling graduate of Haunui Farm’s 2019 Karaka Book 1 draft, Crosshaven was initially passed in before selling to Lindsay Park with breeder Daniel Nakhle retaining a share.
Crosshaven is the fifth winner from Daniel and Elias Nakhle’s Group Two winning mare Irish Colleen (NZ) (Shinko King), who is also the dam of Group Three winner Killarney (NZ) (O’Reilly) and seven-race winner Neeson (NZ) (O’Reilly).
