Trainer Denim Wynen is optimistic that a crucial gear change will help Hereward turn around a twelve-length defeat at Kensington on Wednesday. The three-year-old, now in his first preparation with Wynen after transferring from David Payne, will sport a tongue tie in the PKF Newcastle Handicap (1550m) after it was discovered he got his tongue over the bit and choked down at Randwick last start.
Hereward's Gear Change Aims to Unlock Potential
Hereward's last outing in a Midway at Randwick saw him drop out and beat just one horse home, a result that left Wynen deflated. "It was the right race for him to win at Randwick. I did say to the owners when he raced at Randwick I thought he'd be very hard to beat," Wynen said. "I'm definitely looking for an improvement from the horse and hopefully the gear change will help him. In this field, off his form from David's, you'd think he would be competitive."
The gelding began this preparation with Payne but, despite his obvious ability, proved a handful, prompting owners to seek a quieter environment. Wynen, who already trains for Hereward's connections, was thrilled when the call came, especially as her promising mare Sunshine Law is sidelined with injury. "When the owners rang me to train him I thought 'oh yes, I've got another good one'," she said. "He works like a really good horse, I've got to work him out and once I do he will go through his grades. He's a dude of a horse, though the first two days he was in the barn I thought he was going to be a nightmare. He was a completely different horse on the third day, apparently he used to have to be first out at David's but he was settled and sometimes he works last and he's fine with that."
Promising Signs at Canterbury
In his second run for Wynen, Hereward signalled a win was close when he ran third at Canterbury on a heavy track behind Skycatcher. Anna Roper, who won on the horse back in January, continues her association. Wynen said she will let the apprentice work out the race. "Anna will just let him jump and put himself where he wants to be," she said. "He is naturally a forward horse but Anna does seem to think he's better if he can chase something, like when he won at Randwick."
Hereward has performed well at Kensington previously and appreciates wet conditions, a factor that could work in his favour on Wednesday.
Sunshine Law Sidelined Until 2027
Meanwhile, Sunshine Law will not race for the rest of the year as she recovers from a tendon injury sustained in the Group 3 Angst Stakes on Everest Day. Wynen said the mare, a winner of four from 14 starts, will be given every chance to return in 2027. "The owners want to give her another go, she's started some rehab work about three months ago," she said. "She's a good horse and it's such a shame it happened. You see so many these days come back from tendons so let's hope that's her."
Race-by-Race Preview
Race 1 - 12:50PM ROBRICK LODGE PLATE (1250 METRES)
Consulate (3) did enough first-up at Canterbury to suggest a win is close. She wound up strongly late to snatch second and can improve. Dangers include Adeleke (1), a well-bred filly from a Group 1 winner who has trialled well; Lone Piper (6), who was a drifter in betting first-up but may benefit from barrier improvement; and Woodenbridge (9), who sat on speed when third and was well fancied. Play: Consulate WIN.
Race 2 - 1:25PM TAB PLATE (1150 METRES)
Claudel (6) has a wide barrier but ran well as favourite at Canterbury two weeks ago. She is versatile and a chance with even luck. Dangers: Pharland (3) with blinkers after a promising debut; Rapid Revenue (5), an interesting first starter with good trials; and Ready Forcocktails (10), who held her ground over track and trip first-up. Play: Claudel WIN.
Race 3 - 2:00PM ASAHI SUPER DRY HANDICAP (1550 METRES)
Barbray (4) has been in the market in two runs back and gets out to his preferred distance. A heavy track is interesting and he can break through. Dangers: Ballpark (3), who led and won over this distance at Canterbury and is a probable leader again; Real Baker (6), who has led in all three runs and can show up; and Sister Daae (5), who runs on but has only one win from 15. Play: Barbray EACH-WAY.
Race 4 - 2:35PM PKF NEWCASTLE HANDICAP (1550 METRES)
Hereward (5) ran a promising race at Canterbury on heavy ground before his tongue issue. Gear change a plus, he has run well here and likes wet. Dangers: John Dory (6) has the same gear change after a failure and should bounce back; Tenderize (8) is an each-way chance; and Kenmare Bay (2) resumes at a suitable trip and loves wet tracks. Play: Hereward WIN.
Race 5 - 3:10PM PKF SYDNEY HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
Conchiero (2) was game third first-up at Canterbury and is fitter now. He won on a wet track at this trip in March and can take beating. Dangers: The Replicant (10) rarely runs badly and performs in wet, with blinkers on; Iceman (3) drops in class and runs well; and Perfect Picture (8) stormed home to win at Canterbury last start. Play: Conchiero WIN.
Race 6 - 3:45PM PKF GLOBAL HANDICAP (1250 METRES)
Lull (2) showed return to form with a closing second over 1000m. One of her best runs came on heavy and she brings the best form. Dangers: Pazyryk (11) won impressively at Gosford and draws inside; Mind Ya Bizz (10) is another last-start maiden winner on heavy; and Sapling (7) has blinkers on after a fair effort as favourite. Play: Lull WIN.
Race 7 - 4:20PM HAWAII FIVE OH @ VINERY STUD HANDICAP (1000 METRES)
Huon (1) has a strong first-up record at this track and is accomplished in wet. He was close up third here in January and is fitter for trials. Dangers: Dear Jewel (9) ran on strongly at Randwick on heavy and holds form; Massira (6) could improve after a wide run last time; and Still Alice (8) was a close fourth first-up and drops 4kg. Play: Huon WIN.
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