New sprint star Hay List set for international stage

Australia: Classy sprinter Hay List could be the next Australian star to take to the international stage with Hong Kong and Royal Ascot on the radar following his spring engagements in Melbourne.

Hay List runs in Saturday's Group 3 McEwen Stakes (5f) at Moonee Valley following his sensational five-length victory in the Healy Stakes over 6f at Eagle Farm in June.

The Healy Stakes was the former Perth sprinter's ninth win from 11 starts and trainer John McNair has already been sounded out about a possible invite for the Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin in December

However, no decision will be made until after the five-year-old completes a four-race assignment in Melbourne and McNair said: "I've had him inoculated already just in case he's invited to go to Hong Kong.

"The problem about going to Hong Kong is the quarantine restrictions coming back to Australia.

"If the option comes up to go to Hong Kong, we'll seriously consider it but it's up to the owners who all live in Perth."

McNair also has the option of heading back to Perth with Hay Listfor the Group 2 Winterbottom Stakes (6f) at Ascot in November.

"The Winterbottom Stakes has just had a stakes increase and is worth AUS$750,000 now," he added.

"It would be either the Winterbottom Stakes or Hong Kong but the worry about going back to Perth could be hard tracks, while Hong Kong has a better surface and is up the straight.

"We'll see how he handles the straight six at Flemington in the Patinack Farm first."

McNair knows Hay List has a long way to go emulate Choisir, Takeover Target, Miss Andretti, Scenic Blast and the former Australian-trained Starspangledbanner on the international stage, but is keen to give him his chance against the world's best sprinters at Royal Ascot next year.

"England is part of the GlobalSprint Challenge and it's definitely on our radar," McNair said.

Jockey Chris Munce said he would travel anywhere to maintain his association with Hay List after winning the Healy Stakes on the gelding.

McNair, though, has remained loyal to Sydney rider Glyn Schofield who will be reunited with Hay List in Melbourne.

"The decision to go with Glyn was made before Chris won on him in the Healy," McNair said.

"It's unfortunate for Chris but he's still a chance of getting back on him if Glyn is injured or suspended.