In the midst of a strong season with 35 wins, David Hayes is looking forward to soon unveiling the Group One-winning Little Brose (Per Incanto), who is expected to undertake one more barrier trial next Tuesday (9 April) at Sha Tin before featuring on race day.
Winner of last year’s Gr.1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) as a two-year-old in Melbourne, Little Brose arrived in Hong Kong last December and has had three barrier trials ahead of his upcoming debut.
“He’s going alright. He’s lazy at trackwork just like he was in Australia but I expect his trial next Tuesday will tell us whether he is ready to go to the races,” Hayes said. “The idea is to get him in here, get him to adjust to the ratings and speed of racing, and hopefully he’ll be spot on to go for the good races next season.”
Little Brose is entered for the HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin on FWD Champions Day (Sunday, 28 April). The 77-rater could potentially feature in the field as it is determined by a selection panel.
“He’s entered but I think that will be a bridge too far first-up. We’ll give him a softer option first-up and target the big races next season – he’s only a three-year-old,” Hayes said.
Hugh Bowman has partnered Little Brose in each of his barrier trials. The colt is by Little Avondale Stud stallion Per Incanto and clocked 53.9s (31, 22.9) in a turf gallop yesterday (Monday, 1 April).
