A number of freshman stallions have put their hand up this season, Alabama Express, Tassort and Sun City in particular, and Ben Hayes would love for this Saturday to be Brutal's time in the spotlight.
The Lindsay Park horseman and his co-trainers, brothers Will and JD, will be represented by Jenni's Meadow and Four Ace in the 1200-metre two-year-old race that kicks off The Valley card with each an unraced product of the Newgate stallion.
Brutal, a son of O'Reilly, has only had three runners to date – Heinous, Totoka and Brutal Force, none of whom have placed – but Hayes thinks his pair are capable of changing that.
"They've both done everything correct," Hayes said.
"I'm really happy with Jenni's Meadow, her trial in particular was good, and Four Ace has trialled-up well in everything.
"I like them both and it will be interesting to see how they go."
Jenni's Meadow cost $260,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in January this year, the same offering where Four Ace was purchased for $150,000.
Both are eligible for the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m), which will be run on January 13, and Hayes keen to give them their chance to press their claims for a start in that race.
"If they were to win they would be heading to the Magic Millions two-year-old race," he said.
"That's the plan, anyway. If it works it works, if it doesn't it doesn't."
Jenni's Meadow (barrier five) is the more fancied of the Lindsay Park duo and will be ridden by Daniel Stackhouse with Damian Lane to take the ride on Four Ace (barrier one).
