Haky will be out to break a run of outs when he contests the Banjo Paterson Series Final at Flemington.
Archie Alexander is calling on a set of winkers in a bid to turn around the fortunes of Haky at Flemington.
The imported stayer contests the Banjo Paterson Series Final (2600m) on Saturday with some mixed form under the belt.
Alexander said Haky’s second to Declares War over 2000m at Flemington on May 15 was good as was his last start fourth over 2540m at Flemington on June 19.
But the Ballarat-based trainer did concede Haky’s effort at Flemington over 2520m a fortnight prior was below-par.
Alexander said the case for Haky on Saturday was simple, he needs everything to go his way.
“If everything goes his way and he has all the favours, the right cover, the right tempo, he’s a good horse,” Alexander said.
“But if things don’t go his way, he just can’t adapt.
“He’s got winkers on for the first time and it’s the first time that he’s worn any sort of headgear.
“Sometimes you are clutching at straws with these older horses, so with the headgear we might see a bit of improvement.”
Despite again having to lump 60kg, Alexander said an up-and-coming horse like Grand Promenade was this time closer to him in the weights.
Alexander pointed out when Grand Promenade pushed Haky back to fifth position at Flemington on June 5, there was 5kg between the pair while on Saturday there is only 1kg.
“You look at horses like Grand Promenade, South Pacific and Heart Of Puissance, they’re all young, improving horses,” Alexander said.
“We’re not young and we’re not improving and we’re giving weight to those horses, but the gap is closing.”
Declan Bates, who rode Haky to his most recent win on Anzac Day 2020 at Flemington, reunites with the gelding following the recent suspension of Ben Allen who has been aboard in the last three starts.
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au