Unorthodox path to Railway for Hiflyer

WELLINGTON: Top Te Aroha galloper Hiflyer will take an unorthodox path to the Railway over 1200m at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.

Hiflyer has been set for the major sprint since being put aside for a spell following his sixth to Melody Belle and Savvy Coup in the Windsor Park Plate over 1600m at Hastings last September.

‘‘He really thrived during his spell and he’s been back in work about two to three weeks,’’ trainer Peter Lock said.

‘‘I’m planning an unorthodox approach to the Railway. He’ll have a jumpout or maybe two at Matamata then go into the Railway freshup.

‘‘I know it’s a bit stupid taking on a group 1 like that, but he’s very good freshup and I couldn’t be happier with him.

‘‘He’s come back bigger and stronger and the trip he had to Australia earlier in the year has made him. He’s matured and the penny has finally dropped.’’

Hiflyer was taken to Sydney last June and ran fourth in his two Rosehill starts, finishing less than two lengths from the winner firstup in the

Stakes (1400m).

Hugh Bowman then climbed aboard when he contested the listed Winter Challenge (1500m).

‘‘Bowman was quite impressed with him,’’ Lock said.

‘‘I’ve tried him over ground once before and I’d like to give him another shot at it, possibly in the autumn. I know 1600m is his real go and I’ll get him ready for the Thorndon Mile after the Railway, but freshup I’m confident he will be a big chance in the Railway.

‘‘Sure he’ll get a lot of weight,

listed Winter but he’s used to carrying that. Before he went to Sydney he won the sprint at Ruakaka [under 61.5kg] and that day he ran the 1200m in 1:10 and broke 34 seconds for the last 600m.’’

Johnathan Parkes has been Hiflyer’s regular rider over the past few campaigns and he has told Lock he wants to stay with the son of Tavistock in the Railway.

‘‘That’s a confidencebooster for us,’’ Lock said.

‘‘He’s been loyal to him and I’m happy he wants to ride him.’’ — NZ Racing Desk