Weather to decide Hezashocka start

[Wandering Eyes]

The weather and resulting track conditions will play a big part on whether Hezashocka (NZ) (Shocking) runs in Melbourne or Sydney on the weekend. 

The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Hezashocka is an acceptor for the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday while he also holds a nomination in the Gr.3 Easter Cup (2100m) at Sandown.

There is a vast difference in prize money with the Queen Elizabeth carrying A$5 million in stakes and the Easter Cup A$200,000. 

Price was at Randwick on Monday morning when he was hit by heavy rain, but the forecast is for a fine week for the rest of the week and an improving track. 

“If he was on a Heavy 10 and he’s in a $5 million dollar race, then he’s a chance to earn some money, but on top of the ground I would be a bit suss on that,” Price said. 

“He’s capable in 2000m Group Ones of running a place and I note that it is $425,000 for third, but he needs a bit of a hand. 

“It’s to be considered.” 

Hezashocka has had two runs back in the autumn. After beating two home in the Gr.2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, Hezashocka finished an unlucky fifth to Cascadian in the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 25.

Price said Hezashocka has had limited luck in his past two 2000m races at Flemington, including finishing third to Zaaki in the Champions Stakes on November 5.

The co-trainer said the Easter Cup, in which Hezashocka is handicapped on 57kg, was a winnable race while on a heavy track in Sydney he could fill a place.

“I’m not thinking he can win at all against Anamoe and Dubai Honour, (in the Queen Elizabeth) but if it’s wet, he would be a chance, and if it’s not wet, he could stay home,” Price said.

“He could win an Easter Cup on a good track.”

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