European import Rebel Soldier will have his first start for his new owners and trainer David Hayes when he resumes in the C F Orr Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday week.Hayes has set the lightly raced galloper for the Australian Cup at Flemington on March 12 and gave him his first public appearance in an exhibition gallop with stablemate Zero To Sixty between races at Caulfield on Australia Day.Ridden by Brad Rawiller, Rebel Soldier trailed the unraced three-year-old in the 1200m workout but gaine

European import Rebel Soldier will have his first start for his new owners and trainer David Hayes when he resumes in the C F Orr Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday week.

Hayes has set the lightly raced galloper for the Australian Cup at Flemington on March 12 and gave him his first public appearance in an exhibition gallop with stablemate Zero To Sixty between races at Caulfield on Australia Day.

Ridden by Brad Rawiller, Rebel Soldier trailed the unraced three-year-old in the 1200m workout but gained ground quickly in the straight before going down by a half-head on the line.

The work pleased stable representatives Tom Dabernig and Bruno Rouge-Serret who said the horse was at Caulfield to have a look at the track ahead of the Orr and have a good blow out, not to run time.

Dabernig said after the Orr, Rebel Soldier would run in the Group Two St George Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on February 26 before going to the Australian Cup.

Rawiller was happy with the hit-out.

"He went well. He settled nicely behind the stablemate who was loafing a little bit from the 600 metres when we were supposed to be building up," he said.

"I didn't want him to get to the other horse too quick but when they straightened he found a length pretty quick.

"When I gave him a click he came up on the bridle well and worked up to the other horse each time the other horse picked up as I was coming at him.

"He did everything I asked him to - so far so good."

"He had a good blow and I think he'll take a run or two.

"The C F Orr is likely to be a bit sharp for him but hopefully he'll be getting home and that will have him on track for later on."

Rebel Soldier, who sports a white blaze, was purchased by Hong Kong-based clients of Hayes.

Previously trained in the UK by Jeremy Noseda for Earle Mack, he won three of his four starts from 1609 to 2414 metres.

The four-year-old Danehill Dancer entire's latest start resulted in a win over 2414 metres in the Group Three Gordon Stakes at Goodwood on July 27.

Ridden by Ryan Moore, he scored by a head from Dandino with Arctic Cosmos third.

Dandino was subsequently unplaced in the Japan Cup finishing 11th to Rose Kingdom, while Arctic Cosmos went on to win the English St Leger from Midas Touch who had previously finished second to Cape Blanco in the Irish Derby.