Local trainer John McNair is convinced he has two great chances in the Takeover Target Stakes at Gosford but has two obstacles in his way.My Vegas, a winner at Rosehill on Saturday, has to get a veterinary clearance before he runs in Wednesday's feature while predicted rain could be the problem for Hay List.The feature 1200m sprint on Wednesday was formerly known as the Pacesetter Stakes but renamed in honour of international sprint star Takeover Target who claimed his first black type win in th
Local trainer John McNair is convinced he has two great chances in the Takeover Target Stakes at Gosford but has two obstacles in his way.
My Vegas, a winner at Rosehill on Saturday, has to get a veterinary clearance before he runs in Wednesday's feature while predicted rain could be the problem for Hay List.
The feature 1200m sprint on Wednesday was formerly known as the Pacesetter Stakes but renamed in honour of international sprint star Takeover Target who claimed his first black type win in the race in 2004.
My Vegas gave the field a start and a beating in the Benchmark 85 over 1100 metres at Rosehill but came back to scale sporting a black eye which McNair said was much better on Sunday.
"The quick back-up was always the plan," McNair said.
"He needed the run and he's a tough horse so it won't worry him."
Former West Australian Hay List won eight of his nine starts in Perth and created a big impression with his second to Love Conquers All in the June Stakes at Randwick.
It was his first start on a right handed track and his first experience of a wet track.
"I couldn't be happier with him, he has pleased me greatly" McNair said.
"The predicted rain is not ideal.
"I can't wait to see this horse on top of the ground when we will see what he can really do."
Showers are predicted on Monday and Tuesday.
Tamworth-trained Border Rebel is topweight with 58.5 kilograms with Youthful Jack next on 57.
Hay List has 53.5kg, half a kilo more than his stablemate.
Veteran sprinter Newton's Rings, winner of the race three years ago is also on 53kg.
The weather will also determine whether Black Prince joins his Joe Pride-trained stablemate Bejewelled in the race.
Bejewelled ran third in the June Stakes, albeit four lengths behind Hay List, while Black Prince finished last of the 11 runners.
"Bejewelled will definitely run," Pride said.
"But Black Prince is very doubtful, especially if it's wet."
Tamworth gelding Border Rebel has proved himself adept on all surfaces with two of his 11 wins on heavy and two on dead.
He narrowly missed a start in the Stradbroke Handicap when second to Catapulted in the QTC Cup with the winner gaining automatic entry to Queensland's Group One sprint.