Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Olympics
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
FWC Finals on Sport Nation guideWhy Coolmore fancy "couldn't have been more impressive" ahead of early campaign start
Connor Scanlon • July 16th, 2026 3:22 pm
Two-year-old gun gelding Hard Kick is currently $8.50 to take out the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on October 31.
But despite being in the market for the first Group 1 of the Flemington carnival, the son of All Too Hard will be running in Race 2 at Flemington on Saturday – a fairly early campaign start compared to his other competitors for the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Speaking on SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up, co-trainer Will Hayes revealed why the juvenile, who has one victory from one start, will kick off his preparation during the winter.
“We were fortunate to be able to give him a long time off because we did have the opportunity to back him up in the Blue Diamond, but we went through our processes with our vet team and we decided that the best thing for Hard kick was to give him time,” Hayes explained.
“As a result, we've been able to give him a long time off, a really nice build-up, and as a result, it's been able to get us a run in winter and then be the fit juvenile coming into spring.
“It's an exciting time. He's going to kick off on the weekend.”
Regarding the Spring Racing Carnival plans for the rising two-year-old, Ben & JD Hayes’ co-trainer admitted that the Coolmore Stud Stakes is their ideal target, but there will be plenty of options available for him.
“I think if you're absolutely dreaming, the Hail Mary is to circle the Coolmore,” said Hayes.
“But as always, it's going to be run by run through the spring because there's just so many three-year-old options.”
When asked how good the juvenile actually is, Hayes admitted Hard Kick is “very good”, pointing to one key form line – defeating stablemate Cruiserweight in a recent trial across 800m, an undefeated horse who just won his third career start by a length last Saturday.
“I think he's very, very good,” the co-trainer exclaimed.
“In terms of the way that he's built up the farm, he looks to have grown and been a more mature version of himself.
“His most recent jumpout at Werribee couldn't have been more impressive because the horse that came second to him was Cruiserweight, who came out and was very impressive at three-year-old level last Saturday.
“He’s certainly gone from strength to strength since the Ready To Run Sale.”
The Hayes brother’s father, David, has also spotted the potential, and may be tempted to even take the talented gelding overseas to Hong Kong.
“Potentially, it's certainly not ruled out,” Hayes said.
“But at the moment, given he was so impressive in the Talindert, he wants to keep him in Australia for a little bit longer.”
Hard Kick is currently $1.90 with Sportsbet to win his second career start on Saturday. The race will be run across 1000m and jump at 12:40pm AEST.
What are you really gambling with? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
