Trainer David Hayes will consider backing up Petrology in the Sandown Guineas next week after the three year old broke through for an overdue Spring Carnival win in the Listed $150,000 TCL 4K UHD TV Stakes (1800m) at Flemington today.
Petrology, red cap, holds off the fast finishing Chill Party, pink cap, to win the TCL 4K UHD TV Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Sarah Ebbett.
Petrology was having his fifth start this campaign and now that he has broken through for a win Hayes is keen to step him up in class again in the Group 2 $300,000 Sportingbet Sandown Guineas (1600m) at Sandown.
Hayes, who trains in partnership with Tom Dabernig, said that Petrology ($8.50) has been showing his coltish tendencies of late and he was not quite sure if the Fastnet Rock colt would have his mind on the job today.
A visit to the vet clinic for a gelding operation has been put on hold until after the Sandown Guineas and another winning performance could change Hayes’ mind.
“He was extremely colty before the race and I was bit worried that he might not bring his A game but his track work has been first class,” Hayes said after the race.
“We will look at the Sandown guineas. He is really getting on top of his game and that will probably be the ball decider.”
Hayes also saddled up the third placegetter Tashbeeh ($11) who made a charge for the lead at the 300m but faded on his run to be beaten just over a length with the Tom Hughes trained Chill Party ($18) splitting the Hayes pair in second place..
“He (Tashbeeh) joined in very quickly and the other horse (Petrology) had a beautiful run and it just paid off in the end.”
“Dwayne got clear when it mattered and it was long last fifty metres.”
Winning rider Dwayne Dunn settled Petrology just behind the leading division and was able to slice in between runners in the straight before holding off the strong finish of the second placegetter.
The favourite Proactive ($5.50) settled in the first four for Jim Cassidy and battled on in the run to the line to wind up in fifth spot, one and a half lengths behind the winner.
