News

Hayes hoping Bawaardi can copy Von Costa in Sires'

3rd Mar 2009

Racenet - Brad Waters - Wednesday, 4 March 2009

Hall of Fame trainer David Hayes is hoping that Bawaardi (pictured as yearling at 2008 Australian Easter Yearling Sale) can emulate the deeds of Von Costa de Hero in taking out the GII Volunteers’ VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) before competing with distinction in the AAMI Golden Slipper.

Bawaardi finished sixth, beaten 5.4 lengths in the Blue Diamond behind Reward for Effort but the run was much better than it appears on paper.

The son of Redoute’s Choice made very good late ground in a race that gave him no hope with the way it was run, pleasing Hayes enourmously.

“It was a very good run, we felt if he drew a barrier then he would be in the finish,” he said.

“He went back, it was a leader-biased track, things didn’t work out but he was powerful late, I think he’ll be very competitive (on Saturday).”

Last year’s Sires’ Produce is the only win of valuable colt Von Costa de Hero’s career to date, finishing powerfully to hold off Carnero before just missing in the Golden Slipper behind Sebring.

“We’re hoping we can do a Von Costa (de Hero) with him. If he runs well, he’s Slipper bound,” Hayes said.”

Bawaardi will need to overcome recent history to be successful in the Sires’ Produce Stakes with the past six winners of the event skipping the Blue Diamond before taking out the Sires’ Produce.