Hayasugi ‘ready’ for Moir Stakes as trainer Clinton McDonald praises Moonee Valley sprint revamp

Trainer Clinton McDonald has praised the new timeslot for the Moir Stakes, which has attracted a crack field including his Blue Diamond Stakes winner Hayasugi.

Group 1 trainer Clinton McDonald has praised Moonee Valley Racing Club for its “common sense” decision to reignite the marquee Moir Stakes and Manikato Stakes.

McDonald has Blue Diamond winner Hayasugi aimed at the Moir on Saturday, a stepping stone to the $2m Group 1 Manikato Stakes in three weeks’ time.

The Valley’s iconic sprints had been cannibalised by the $20m The Everest in recent years.

A smart move to bring forward the Moir and Manikato, about a month respectively, has led to a crack race on Saturday in Melbourne, six weeks out from the Everest.

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The reigning winners of the Golden Slipper (Lady Of Camelot), Blue Diamond (Hayasugi), TJ Smith Stakes (Chain Of Lightning) and Kingsford Smith Cup (I Wish I Win) headline a field including Estriella, a Group 1 sprinter-in-waiting, and Golden Slipper runner-up Coleman.

Group 1-placed Mornington Glory has won three of four starts at The Valley.

The Valley queen Imperatriz was the only genuine top class drawcard in the Moir last year.

“It’s common sense, as trainers you need momentum and it’s (Moir now) a beautiful lead-up race,” McDonald said.

“If you’re looking at going to a race like The Everest, you’re here on your own turf, 1000m (then) 1200m (Manikato), Everest, or you go to Sydney, go that way.

Blue Diamond winner Hayasugi resumes in the Group 1 Moir Stakes on Saturday. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

“It gives you options, all you need is options and momentum … it has worked really well and well done to Moonee Valley for doing it.

“The Manikato will be a really strong field, $2m race, 1200m, in three weeks’ time, beautiful timing, you can flow into it and then you could also get into the spring later on as well.

“I just think the two states need to work together.”

McDonald is as optimistic about Hayasugi’s return to the races on Saturday after the Royal Meeting filly swept the Blue Diamond Series last campaign.

“I think she’s improved and she’s a lot stronger version of herself, as what she was as a two-year-old, but all trainers say that,” McDonald said.

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“As I’ve said the whole way along, the proof will be in the pudding on race day, we feel she will run super and I think she’ll be very hard to beat.

“She’s a great chance but we’re looking forward to Saturday to see all those good horses come back and see where they sit.

“She’s ready … 1000m is probably not her distance but as long as she’s got a flashing light on her head, heading towards the Manikato, we’ll be happy.”

McDonald also has Angel Capital in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.

The Harry Angel colt is expected to run well on fresh legs.

Originally published as Hayasugi ‘ready’ for Moir Stakes as trainer Clinton McDonald praises Moonee Valley sprint revamp