Jet Away’s Spring plans still up in the air

Jet Away’s Spring Carnival plans are still up in the air with trainer David Hayes to decide next week if the English import will pursue a start in the Group 1 $2.65m BMW Caulfield Cup (2400m) at Caulfield on October 19.

Jet Away was ready to resume in the Group 1 $400,000 Hyland Race Colours Underwood Stakes(1800m) at Caulfield last Saturday but a minor throat infection forced Hayes to postpone his Spring Carnival kick off.

Jet Away winning the Easter Cup at Caulfield in March.

Jet Away winning the Easter Cup at Caulfield in March. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.

Hayes didn’t see the setback as a major problem but would have been pleased if he didn’t have to deal with it.

“You’d be kidding yourself if you didn’t see it as a setback – it’s far from ideal,” Hayes said at the time.

Jet Away was far from impressive galloping with stablemate Motivado in between races at Seymour on Thursday and the top trainer will give him another solid hit out at Lindsay Park early next week before making any further Spring Carnival plans.

“With Jet Away I will do another good hit-out at Lindsay Park on Monday or Tuesday and then I’ll make a decision which way we go,” Hayes told TVN.

“Whether we have a crack at the Turnbull or we might keep him fresh for the Toorak. There’s lots of options.”

Hayes was still hoping to run Jet Away in the Group 1 $500,000 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday week before lining up in the Caulfield Cup, but that could change if he thinks he is not ready for the 2000m first up.

His other option is to take on the shorter Group 1 $400,000 David Jones NBCF Toorak Handicap over 1600m at Caulfield on October 12.

On yesterday’s work, Jet Away will have to make rapid improvement to line up over the 2000m of the Turnbull Stakes after having a huge blow after the gallop.

“I thought Motivado had the better of the gallop but normally they do when horses pull and he (Jet Away) had a huge blow after it,” Hayes said.

But Hayes was pleased the seven year old did receive a good report when he was scoped after the gallop with the results coming back all clear.

The former English galloper is unbeaten from two Australian starts in the Autumn and was one of the early favourites for the Caulfield Cup.

After winning the $150,000 Yalumba Golden Mile (1600m) at Bendigo on March 16, Hayes brought Jet Away to Caulfield where he finished too strong for Folding Gear and Whisper Downs to take out the Group 3 $150,000 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on March 30.

Hayes then sent the Cape Cross stallion out for a break with the Spring Carnival riches in mind but with his non-appearance to date, Jet Away has drifted in Caulfield Cup betting and is now a $26 chance.

The Chris Waller trained Queensland Derby winner Hawkspur heads the market order at $7 with stable mate Royal Descent the second pick at $7.50 just in front of Super Cool at $9.

English galloper Dandino has been marked at $14 with top New Zealand mare Silent Achiever at $15.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.