McNair Refutes Rocket Man Claims

John McNair

Hay List trainer John McNair (right) has refuted claims that international sprinter Rocket Man is better than Black Caviar or even his own sprinter Hay List

With international superstar Rocket Man’s trainer claiming that his horse can beat Black Caviar, John McNair has made it clear he believes otherwise.

The trainer to champion sprinter Hay List feels that not only would Rocket Man be unable to beat Black Caviar, but he also wouldn’t be a match for Hay List.

“I don’t believe (Rocket Man) could beat Hay List let alone Black Caviar,” McNair said.

All three could meet this spring in the Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington, which has increased prize money of $1.2 million for this year’s race.

For now though, McNair is primarily focusing on Hay List’s upcoming performance in the $650,000 Doomben 10,000 in Brisbane this weekend.

The trainer is hoping the forecasted rain will not hinder Hay List’s chances of snatching his third Group 1 victory.

“It’s raining in Brisbane and they are expecting more during the week and I wouldn’t want too much,” McNair said.

“He had a good gallop on Saturday and will have another on Wednesday morning.

“I’m being guarded with him.

“Everyone expects him to dominate but it’s not a foregone conclusion and he has to turn up with his A game.”

Despite Hay List’s long preparation, McNair is confident that Hay List will produce another spectacular performance this Saturday.

“He still looks very well and has worked well but he’s had a hard campaign and I don’t know if there’s an awful lot left,” McNair said.

“But all going well he should deliver.”

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