Lindsay Park’s head trainer David Hayes is expecting Redkirk Warrior to fight his way back to he best when he steps out in the Group 1 $500,000 Yulong Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield today.
Redkirk Warrior, above, is expected to figure in the finish of the 2019 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Redkirk Warrior is a triple Group 1 winner over the sprinting distances down the Flemington straight but hasn’t found the winner’s stall since scoring back to back wins in the Group 1 $1.25m Lexus Newmarket Handicap (1200m) during the 2018 Melbourne Autumn Carnival.
The Lindsay Park Team of David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig has stepped Redkirk Warrior up in distance this campaign and is expecting the eight year to figure in the finish after drawing barrier three in the twelve horse Futurity Stakes after he had no luck last start from a wide gate when seventh to Manuel in the Group 1 $500,000 Ladbrokes C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield a fortnight ago.
“A bit different to the other day, he has drawn a good gate and he has had the run over the distance,” David Hayes said.
“I would be disappointed if he doesn’t shake them off.”
A win by Redkirk Warrior in the Futurity Stakes could see him gain a wildcard entry into the $5m All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 16.
Redkirk Warrior was marked at $16 at Ladbrokes.com.au when the final field for the Futurity Stakes was released on Wednesday and after firming into $11 has drifted slightly to be listed at $13 on race morning.
The James Cummings trained Alizee is the short priced favourite at $2.45 head of Brave Smash and Land Of Plenty who share the second line of betting at $7.
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