Polanski okay to run in C S Hayes Stakes

Trainer Robbie Laing is certain that Polanski will recover from a skin infection in time to kick off his Autumn Carnival campaign in the Group 3 $150,000 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Polanski with Hugh Bowman aboard returning to scale after winning the 2013 Victoria Derby.

Polanski with Hugh Bowman aboard returning to scale after winning the 2013 Victoria Derby. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.

Polanski was due to resume last Saturday in the Group 2 $220,000 Hyland Race Colours Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield but was a late scratching after developing hives on his skin.

But following  several days treatment, Laing in confident that Polanski will line up on Saturday for the first time since winning the Group 1 $1.5m AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington in November.

“The skin infection he had has abated but the only problem was a little bit of the treatment has actually burnt his skin in a couple of little places,” Laing told AAP.

“So he’s still a little bit touchy, but it’s only Tuesday.”

“Laing likened condition to sun burn.

“It’s a little bit uncomfortable today but should be right in a day or so.”

Polanski has drawn barrier nine in a field of thirteen to line up in the C S Hayes Stakes with Dean Yendall keeping the saddle warm for leading Sydney jockey Hugh Bowman who will be riding in Sydney this weekend.

Bowman was aboard Polanski when he won the Group 3 $150,000 Jacob Park Thoroughbreds Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on October 19 and again when he won the Victoria Derby and will be back on later in the Autumn Carnival when he rides in Melbourne.

The Tony Vasil trained Prince Harada had no luck at the barrier draw, coming up with one from the outside at twelve, giving new rider Craig Williams plenty of work to do.

Prince Harada with Blake Shinn in the saddle didn’t have everything go his own way last start when fourth as favourite to Bull Point in the Group 3 $135,000 John Moule Manfred Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 1.

Worth A Ransom from barrier thirteen with Glen Boss to ride again and The Quarterback with regular rider Matthew Allen from gate eight are set to clash with Prince Harada again after finishing second and third in the Manfred Stakes.

The Group 1 $500,000 Australian Guineas (1600m) on March 1 and the Group 1 $1m Darley Australian Cup (2000m) the following week both at Flemington are on the radar for Polanski after Saturday’s run.

Laing was keeping his options open if he would stick to his own age group in the Australian Guineas or step up to weight for age company in the Australian Cup before heading to Sydney for the Group 1 $2m BMW Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on April 12.

“But an option might be to go through to the Australian Cup and just keep him ticking over for the Derby,” Laing told the Herald Sun.

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.