Lindsay Park’s Ben, Will, and J D Hayes had big plans for imported galloper Que Tempesta when he began his spring campaign.
The Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup were on the agenda for the Irish-bred stayer, who had success in Italy. However, after three spring starts, he was sent to the paddock for a break.
Now ready to return, Que Tempesta will face five rivals, including Pride Of Jenni, in Saturday’s Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield, with hopes of progressing to the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 29.
The gelding showed promise on his Australian debut last August with a closing fifth in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) and was sixth in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) in September, chasing a Caulfield Cup spot. A trip to Sydney for The Metropolitan (2400m) did not go to plan, with Que Tempesta finishing second last.
“He’s a horse that can go well on his day. We want to see him competitive, and if he runs well enough, we’ll consider the Australian Cup,” said Ben Hayes.
After a minor setback delayed his autumn preparation, Que Tempesta is now fit and ready to race.