When the progressive Ser Patrick won back-to-back races in September, the Mark Hayes-trained trotter appeared set to make a statement or two before the end of the 2022 season.
They had been his only starts since May.
As quickly as those wins came though, Ser Patrick just as quickly disappeared off the scene.
It was no fault of the now six-year-old son of Bacardi Lindy.
Hayes had a knee reconstruction.
So while the veteran Maryborough horseman took a break, so too did Ser Patrick.
“While I was out, he was out. He had five to six weeks off,” Hayes said.
For a change there were no issues with the horse, something the gelding has had to deal with regularly throughout a career which has produced seven wins from just 28 starts.
Ser Patrick made his long-awaited return at Kilmore last Sunday, with a fit Hayes in the sulky.
After settling last from his second-row draw, the horse was about to make a run around the field down the back straight when he suffered interference and broke.
Ser Patrick makes his next appearance in the Pay Up By 28 Feb To Be Eligible For VHRC Super Bonuses Vicbred Trot (2240m) at Melton’s Tabcorp Park on Saturday night.
Hayes is confident Ser Patrick will run a strong race.
“He’ll go all right,” he said.
Hayes said one of Ser Patrick’s biggest challenges this campaign would be dealing with difficult barrier draws as a result of a high rating.
“He’s a 70. It makes it hard. His rating means he can’t get a draw,” says Hayes.
“We’ll take him through the grades and see where he finishes up.”
Hayes and wife Sue bred and race Ser Patrick.
He is the first of four foals they have bred out of race-winning mare Duchess Pat.
They have a Louey Louey Louey four-year-old gelding ready to trial, a Skyvalley two-year-old gelding and an Elite Stride weanling filly.
Saturday night’s eight-race card at Melton is highlighted by the $500,000 Reasons To Join The VHRC By 28 Feb Pace, a fast class event that includes the likes of Supreme Dominator, Cant Top This, Cranbourne and Triple Eight.
Join Rob Auber, Kirsten Graham, Shannon O’Sullivan and Dan Mielicki for the coverage on TrotsVision, with the first event to go from 6.32pm.
TUNE IN at MELTON on Saturday
First Race: 6.32pm Last Race: 10.31pm
Racecaller: Dan Mielicki with Rob Auber, Kirsten Graham and Shannon O’Sullivan on TrotsVision.
TrotsVision: WATCH LIVE
SEN Track: LISTEN LIVE
RSN 927: LISTEN LIVE
Winner of the Week
BRAEVIEW KELLY, by Bettors Delight out of Idolise, in the Group 3 Sibelia Stakes at Menangle on February 11.
Breed your next winner with Woodlands Stud, supporter of Trots Centre
