We look forward to another big weekend of racing ahead with the Caulfield Guineas Day on Saturday. Featuring in some of the big races on the day will our Melbourne Cup contestant Daqiansweet Junior as well as the 5yo son of Shocking, Hezashocka.
After missing a run in the Group 2 Hill Stakes in Sydney last week, Hezashocka has travelled back to his home state and will now take on the field in the Group 1 Might And Power Stakes over 2000m.
Reflecting on last year’s spring, Hezashocka has proven to be most competitive at Group level and certainly deserves his chance to race with the best again this year.
“He’s thrived up in Sydney and the trip hasn’t done him any harm. We have Damian Lane booked to ride him in the Might And Power on Saturday and if he runs well then we head to the Caulfield Cup on the back up. He has previously gone well on the back up so he could well take up his place and run well.”, says Mick Price in an owner update.
“If he brings his best 2000m form he could be right in the race.”, adds co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr.
Hezashocka had two runs in the lead up to his first Group 1 task this preparation and hopefully we can see a competitive run with some more fitness under his belt.
He will jump from barrier 9 in a field of 10. See all race details here.
Also racing is Daqiansweet Junior, who is working towards the Melbourne Cup as his main target and will take his place in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes over 2400m.
The 6yo comes into the race fourth up, after finishing seventh in the Group 3 Naturalism last start, only beaten 4 lengths to Busuttin’s top stayer ‘Uncle Bryn’.
“He’s been good in his work at home, Daniel Stackhouse galloped him the other day and was happy. He won’t be here to ride him in the Herbert Power, but will be back onboard for the Cup.”, says trainer Phillip Stokes.
Blake Shinn will now take the ride on DJ in Saturday’s Group 2. See the full field here.
Best of luck to all connections of both horses!