David Hayes' belief that Nicconi is the perfect 1200-metre sprinter will be put to the test in the Group One William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley.The four-year-old is a maiden at the distance after five attempts but Hayes is convinced that the time is right for him."His record doesn't say it but if you asked me what his best distance would be I would say 1200 metres as he looks that ideal type of horse to me," Hayes said.He is confident that Saturday's William Reid will set up Nicconi for Royal
David Hayes' belief that Nicconi is the perfect 1200-metre sprinter will be put to the test in the Group One William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley.
The four-year-old is a maiden at the distance after five attempts but Hayes is convinced that the time is right for him.
"His record doesn't say it but if you asked me what his best distance would be I would say 1200 metres as he looks that ideal type of horse to me," Hayes said.
He is confident that Saturday's William Reid will set up Nicconi for Royal Ascot missions in the Kings Stand Stakes (1000m) and July Cup (1200m) later in the year.
Nicconi has won races at 1000m, 1100m and 1400m but at 1200m has been winless with three thirds his best from his five runs.
Hayes is adamant that Nicconi should have won second-up last spring when third in the Group One Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
He is again second-up on Saturday after winning the Group One Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington two weeks ago.
"He was the strongest horse late in the Lightning and if had been 1200 metres he would have won by two lengths," Hayes said.
"He has won at distances either side of 1200 metres so there is no reason why he won't win over the distance. I think it is a stat that will be broken very soon."
The winner of six of his 13 starts, Nicconi will be out to improve the impressive recent record of Lightning winners in the William Reid.
Last year Apache Cat won the Moonee Valley feature after he and Weekend Hussler were the only runners from the Lightning to contest the race.
The baldy faced sprinter won both Group One sprints in 2008, emulating Miss Andretti who also landed the Lightning-William Reid double in 2007.
Nicconi has drawn barrier four on Saturday and Hayes said that securing Damien Oliver was a bonus in a Group One race.
"In the Lightning Nicconi drew the widest and he was always going to come to the outside but I have seen him come through the field and if the pace isn't that fast I bet you he will be closer to the pace than you think," Hayes said.
"If they go hard he will probably be back, but the lovely thing about having D Oliver is that he sums it up better than most."
Nicconi has firmed in betting around the country and was as short as $2.90 with TAB Sportsbet on Friday.
Lightning placegetters Wanted (second), who was beaten a long head, and Shellscrape (third) are again considered the main dangers to Nicconi and are at $4 and $4.60 respectively.