Hayasugi pushes Moir Stakes claims

Hayasugi did not win one of the star-studded trials at Cranbourne on Monday, but trainer Clinton Mcdonald had as big a smile as anyone after the first of the 800-metre trials.

The Blue Diamond winner hinted she was in for a stellar spring campaign with an eye-catching performance, despite finishing third.

The daughter of Royal Meeting settled back in the field but surged home under little urging from Jamie Kah to be nosed out of second by The Astrologist, 2-1/2 lengths behind Pharari.

It was Hayasugi’s final hit-out before the $750,000 Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley on Saturday week and McDonald said it was just what he wanted to see.

“She’s coming along really well, she’s come through the trial well and she’s exactly where we want her,” the Cranbourne trainer said.

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The Moir will be Hayasugi’s first start since the disaster that was the Golden Slipper, when she bungled the start and almost ran through the inside running rail.

She won her previous three starts, culminating with the Blue Diamond Stakes, in which she defeated subsequent Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot.

After the Moir Stakes, Hayasugi will head to the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) on September 27 after which a decision on the remainder of her campaign will be made.

“They’re two nice races, so we’ll get through them and if we’re lucky enough to pick up one we’ll be over the moon, then we’ve got a couple of options which way we can go with her,” McDonald said.

“We’ll get through the first two races and then we can work out whether we want to go to a Thousand Guineas or whether we keep her to the sprint trips.”

Hayasugi was just one of many big names to step out at Cranbourne on Monday morning with many others continuing their preparations towards spring.

Estriella will be one of Hayasugi’s main rivals in the Moir Stakes and she was a slick five-length winner of her 800m trial in 46.19secs. Pharari’s winning time was 46.35secs.

Earlier, over 1200m, Warmonger edged out Place Du Carrousel with Melbourne Cup favourite Circle Of Fire trailing home the field in a light workout.

North of the Murray river, Amelia’s Jewel showcased her slick turn of foot to win a 1000m trial at Hawkesbury shortly after VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes winner and ATC Sires’ runner-up Traffic Warden won his 1000m trial.