Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Hard Kick is being aimed at the $2 million Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes after Lindsay Park mapped out a spring sprint path for the lightly raced gelding.
The son of All Too Hard won an 800-metre jumpout at Werribee last Friday and is set to resume in a 1000-metre two-year-old race down the Flemington straight on July 18.
His return comes in a strong period for sprinting prospects, with Bellatrix Star set for a cautious Caulfield return in the Sir John Monash Stakes.
Hayes Happy With Build-Up
Hard Kick has raced only once, winning the Listed Talindert Stakes over 1100 metres on February 14.
Co-trainer Will Hayes, who prepares the gelding with brothers Ben Hayes and JD Hayes, said the stable’s patient approach had paid off.
“We’re going to look at a 1000-metre option for two-year-olds down the straight on the 18th of July,” Hayes said.
“We’re very happy and glad that we erred on the side of caution by not exposing him to the back-up into the (Blue) Diamond, because it’s been the best thing for him going forward.
“I can’t fault him in the way he’s built up, he looks a better version of himself and I think his trial spoke for itself.
“His trial suggests that he’s right where we need him to be.”
Coolmore Target In Sight
The Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on October 31 is the main spring goal for Hard Kick.
He is rated the $8 third favourite in futures markets, behind Golden Slipper winner Guest House at $5 and Ciaron Maher’s colt The Next Episode at $6.
“It will be the traditional three-year-old path on the way towards a race like the Coolmore,” Hayes explained.
“We do think he’s a horse that possesses incredible natural speed and we’re going to play to his strengths.”
Official racing updates are available through Racing Victoria.