Veteran sprinter Sterling City is set to make his first public appearance since he returned to Australia after he was included in the acceptances for the barrier trials that will be held at Cranbourne on Monday.
David Hayes has been happy with the condition of Sterling City since he returned to Australia earlier this year. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Sterling City was purchased for $200,000 at the 2010 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale and since he made his racing debut at the start of 2012 he has stamped himself as one of the best sprinters in Hong Kong.
He worked his way through the grades in impressive fashion in Hong Kong and he claimed his maiden black-type win in the Group 3 Premier Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin in 2013 and he went on to finish a close third in the 2014 Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on February 16 before he took out the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m) in Dubai.
Sterling City was unable to replicate that form when he returned to Hong Kong and he was returned to Australia after he failed to fire in the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), Group 1 Kent & Curwen Centenary Sprint Cup (1000m), The Chairman’s Sprint Prize and Citibank Global Banking Handicap (1200m) during his summer campaign.
New trainer David Hayes told Sky Racing HQ this morning that Sterling City had impressed him in his track work since he arrived at Lindsay Park, but he said that the Nadeem gelding would likely have a number of trials or jump outs before he starts his 2015 Spring Racing Carnival campaign.
“I used to train Sterling City before he went there and he came back about $5 million later,” Hayes said.
“I am very happy to have him back it albeit as a seven-year-old.
“He won a big race in Dubai – an international Group 1 – and he is a good horse at his best.
“He seems to be working very nicely, but he probably won’t run until about September.”
Sterling City has been included in the entries for the third barrier trial of the morning over 800 metres and he is set to take on the likes of Akavoroun, Vibrant Rouge, Danestroem, Minnesinger and Secret Toy Bizness, while Ethiopia, Escado, Java, Trevieres, Noble Protector, Rich Enuff, Set Square, Griante, Disposition and Prince Of Brooklyn will also be in action.
