Hezashocka will return to the races in the Group 3 Craven Plate at Randwick on Saturday, seeking softer ground than he found last start at Flemington.
After impressively winning at Flemington twice earlier in the preparation and with an obvious fondness for the track, trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr took a throw at the stumps and started the son of Shocking in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes. Unfortunately, with the drying track and stiff competition, it was a gamble that didn’t pay off.
He will now step back to a Group 3 over 1800m, which should see him prove more competitive. His competition remains strong and includes Group 1 winners Cascadian and Warning, who are better off at the weights under the Standard WFA conditions of this race.
Trainer Mick Price says “I’m glad we are in the race and we are definitely going to run him. He is going very well and we will get the soft track, which is the key to this kind of horse.”
“If Cascadian has an off day and Hezashocka has a good day, it will be very good!”
Hezashocka will be ridden by Chad Schofield carrying 59kg, jumping from barrier 4 in a field of 10.
See the full field and all race details here.
Best of luck to all connections!