Taylor has doubts over Hay List

Perth Turf Talk | Australian Racing | Tue 5 February, 2013

WA horseman Jim Taylor, the trainer of the West's best sprinter Barakey, says he doubts his former charge Hay List can make it back to his lofty heights.

Hay List left Taylor's care in 2010 when transferred to NSW trainer John McNair. The gelding then continued to develop and become one of Australia's best sprinters with his record standing at 15 wins from 23 starts.

The three-time Group I winner is on his way back after suffering a career threatening knee injury, which followed colic surgery in April last year.

McNair has had Hay List back in work since late last year and last Friday the seven-year-old galloped at Wyong.

"I saw him the other day and I didn't think he was moving like the old Hay List in that exhibition gallop up the bush (Wyong)," Taylor told Sky Sports Radio. "He didn't look the same horse to me.

"He's a really good mover and he was chucking them down fairly hard so I'm not sure whether he'll get back to where he was."

McNair has the Group II Challenge Stakes (1000m) at Warwick Farm pencilled in for Hay List's return on March 16.

Meanwhile, Taylor said everything is going to plan for Barakey's maiden venture to the eastern states where he will attempt to keep his unbeaten record intact in the Group I Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 23 and the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 9.

"Everything's going to get harder," he said. "He's right to go fitness wise so he'll just stay here and hopefully arrive (in Melbourne) on the Monday night prior to the Oakleigh Plate.

"He feels as good as ever. Hasn't gone backwards anyway."

Taylor confirmed jockey Jason Brown would continue his association with Barakey in Victoria. The duo are unbeaten in 11 starts.

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