Small steps to start former HK galloper Nervous Witness

The Hayes brothers are keen to see Nervous Witness back at the races before committing to ambitious autumn targets.

Previously trained in Hong Kong by David Hayes, Nervous Witness returned to Australia at the end of 2024 and has since joined the Lindsay Park operation.

Following four jump-outs and trials, the gelding is ready to resume and is expected to contest a Benchmark 94 handicap over 1000m at Randwick on Saturday.

That performance will shape plans for possible Group 1 assignments including the Lightning Stakes, the Oakleigh Plate and the Newmarket Handicap.

Nervous Witness dominated a recent trial by seven lengths over Wonder Boy, Treasurethe Moment and Sneaky Sunrise, but Ben Hayes said the visual margin should be treated with caution.

“As we saw in his trial, he’s got a high cruising speed and he’s always been a horse that trials very well, so don’t let that trick you,” Hayes said.

“But for me, it was exciting to see because it looks like he’s got that enthusiasm back.

“He was a boom Hong Kong sprinter, he had a great record, but towards the end Dad just felt he had lost him, but we think we’ve found him again.

“We were able to give him a good break, and they don’t get that opportunity in Hong Kong to go out in the paddock.

“He’s been here a while. We built him up to the trial stage then tipped him out and built him up again and he’s now ready to go to the races.

“There’s a nice race in Sydney, a (benchmark) 94 over 1000 metres next Saturday, and he should get in beautifully there.

“If he was to run well, we could back him up in the Lightning Stakes (at Flemington the following week) or in the Oakleigh Plate two weeks later, then there is the Newmarket, and he should get in with no weight.”

The Lindsay Park team has enjoyed past success with similar profiles.

Redkirk Warrior won the Newmarket Handicap first-up in 2017 before returning the following year to complete the Lightning–Newmarket double.

“It would be nice to do something similar,” Hayes said.

“Redkirk Warrior was a bit younger as this guy is an eight-year-old now, but he’s a very fast horse and he loves the straight.

“We’re very happy to have him in the stable, that’s for sure.”

Those following online wagering markets will keep a close eye on Nervous Witness if he fires first-up.

The post Small steps to start former HK galloper Nervous Witness first appeared on Just Horse Racing.