3 minute read

For Tony Vasil, the Caulfield Guineas is a race he'd love to win on his home track. But even more so with the son of one of the best he's trained.

While his multiple Group 1 winner Haradasun wasn't quite able to make it to this feature race, in 2013, a son of Haradasun stakes his claim to win the $1m BECK Caulfield Guineas on Saturday and he will have a big say in it.

Vasil saddles up Prince Harada for his fifth race start but don't let that inexperience lead you to think he won't be a strong contender. He is a big boy but his undoubted ability and strength late will be qualities that serve him well.

The three year old caused some serious mid-Winter stirs when he rounded a field up at Moonee Valley but it was the fact he returned with a top effort against the better rivals of his generation that led you to think he was genuine Guineas chance.

Very unlucky when back to the inside in the McNeil, Tony took him to Sydney for the Golden Rose and while the impressive Zoustar had an unimpeded run down the middle of Rosehill, 'the Prince' was strung up in traffic. The final furlong was his best as Hugh Bowman only got out when the race was all over. It offered the thought that the mile was even more to his benefit.

Being a big strong horse (near 17 hands), galloping room is important and Tony Vasil thinks drawing out in 12 may not be the obstacle it might first appear.

“He won't get boxed in that's for sure. It's the total opposite of the last two runs,” he said.

“He's a tall horse, long action and the trip is a positive.”

“Being the last race, getting out wide could well help. A touch of rain won't hurt either.”

Importantly he says the horse is well after his journey to Sydney and back. No doubt comparisons to his sire will be forthcoming should the colt win but Vasil indicated on TV last week that he's taller and heavier than Haradasun. He said he'd lost 17kg through the Sydney trip but that had all returned and horses can mature when they travel interstate. It often does them the world of good.

“He's spot on, in a good place. Third up was the plan,” Tony explained on Tuesday after the barrier draw.

Vasil has come close in the famous race before. In 2009, Carrara was second to Starspangledbanner while his international warrior Elvstroem was an unlucky 5th at the Heath behind In Top Swing. A Cox Plate opportunity was lost because of the missed placing in the Guineas but some form of redemption was swift as the son of Danehill won the Victoria Derby two runs later.

As for Haradasun, his first run as a 3yo was a slashing near last to first effort in the Vain Stakes. After Miss Finland just got the better of him in the McNeil, he was put out following the third run of his career and didn't manage to get to the Caulfield Guineas. Maybe it's the son that can take his opportunity.

It is such an even Caulfield Guineas this year. Besides the Equine Influenza depleted 2007 edition, not once from 1990 onwards has the Guineas has been run without a Group One winner engaged.

With that in mind, and with the punters already showing good faith in Prince Harada, there is every chance Tony Vasil could get that Guineas on the mantelpiece.