Trainer David Hayes admitted to Racing.com that even he was surprised by the speed shown by Sikorsky (Aus) (Pierro {Aus}), the 2-year-old full-brother to Tulip (Aus), during his first jumpout at Flemington on Friday. The dark bay was always in control of the 800 metre heat and crossed the line in front without being asked a question.
“We were really impressed with him; he wasn't out to run time but he just did it under his own steam,” Hayes told Racing.com. “He'll probably have another jumpout as he didn't learn much today, as he was out in front dominating the trial. Next time we'll probably ride him in behind them just for education.
Hayes said he will start the colt out in the New Year and give him Group 1 aims.
“We'll look to run him in the New Year; I really feel he might be a Blue Diamond and Sires' Produce type of horse, I'm sure he's a seven-furlong horse but he surprised me this morning with that good speed,” he said. “Everything he's shown me suggests he's a [1400 metre to a miler], but watching the trial today he might have more competitive speed than I thought. The plan is to target the Blue Diamond, if he runs to his trial, he certainly will be heading that way.”
Hayes also handles the G2 Magic Night S. winner and G1 Golden Slipper third Tulip for a Coolmore partnership, and he also trained the dam, Musidora. Sikorsky was bred by Orpendale and sold through Coolmore Stud for A$500,000 to Hayes's Lindsay Park at this year's Inglis Easter sale. Lindsay Park will race him in partnership with Coolmore partners and Gary Lechte.
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