Co-trainer David Hayes expects Petrology to hit the line strongly when he makes his Group 1 debut in the 2015 Orr Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
Petrology is currently on the second line of 2015 Orr Stakes betting markets. Photo by: Sarah Ebbett
Petrology was lived up to his potential when he scored impressive wins in both the Listed TV Stakes (1800m) at Flemington on Crown Oaks Day and the Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) at the end of his 2014 Spring Racing Carnival campaign and he flew home late to finish second behind Java in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1300m) at Sandown on Australia Day.
Hayes told Racing Ahead that he is happy to leave the riding instructions for Petrology up to Nick Hall, but he is hoping that the Fastnet Rock colt will be given the opportunity to exhibit his explosive finish in the Orr Stakes.
“I am going to leave it to Nick (Hall), but there are a lot of stayers in the race and he probably lobs in front of those,” Hayes said.
“Hopefully he will be one of the strong closers in the race.
“He does love a bit of galloping room and that could work in his favor if he can get on the back of something.
“With a bit of luck he won’t get caught out on a limb, but if he gets the right run in transit he will unleash some big sectionals.”
The Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) was initially the major 2015 Melbourne Festival Of Racing target for Petrology, but Hayes revealed that the Orr Stakes has always been a potential option for the three-year-old.
Petrology would become one of the most valuable stallion’s prospects in Australia if he is able to record a win at the highest level of racing this season and Hayes said that he is keen to give the colt as many bites of the cherry at the highest level of racing.
“It was always in the back of my mind,” Hayes said.
“I just feel that he is a valuable colt by the champion sire Fastnet (Rock) and he hasn’t had a try at Group 1 level yet, but every time I have stepped him up he has been very good.
“Three-year-olds have a good record in the race and I want to have two cracks at a Group 1 in Melbourne before we go to Sydney.”
Petrology is currently available at 2015 Orr Stakes odds of $6.50 and is on the second line of betting with Ladbrokes behind Dissident ($3.20).
