Hayden Reeves’ Special Project
23 April, 2019
Harness
Bunbury horseman John Graham threw out the challenge and Hayden Reeves accepted.
Now comes the test-and it happens tonight in the final race at Gloucester Park.
Seven years after his last race, a victory at Harvey, Hezgot Fusion Power makes his long awaited return and debut for Reeves.
“He did something to his back leg that required surgery,” Reeves told Tabradio.
“He had some time off and John Graham brought him back, but he became unsound when he was ready to race for him again.
“He tipped him out and one thing led to another and he kinda of got left due to the injury and other horses coming through.
“I was shoeing there one day and always looking for horses and John said do you want a project?
“I said I’m always up for a bit of a challenge and I was interested based on its potentials, putting aside all the down stuff.
“At the moment he is sound, but that can change daily I guess.”
Hezgot Fusion Power came to Graham from New Zealand and impressed early with three wins from his seven starts before going out for his extended break.
The son of Mach Three ran midfield behind Im Victorious in the 2012 WA Derby (2506m).
Reeves is optimistic if Hezgot Fusion Power can stay sound he has the ability to win more races.
“He gives me a pretty good feel,” Reeves said.
“He was cut late so sort of has the intelligence of a stallion.
“I forget he is 10 years old because athletically he acts quite a bit younger.
“He’s got a bit of brains about him and is a real smarty.
“A bit of ability will take him a long way.”
Bailey McDonough will drive Hezgot Fusion Power from barrier six in Download The Tabtouch App Today Pace (2130m).
Reeves says he goes into the race with an open mind.
“He will know he has been out there,” Reeves said.
“As long as everything goes fairly normal and he stays in his gear and nothing adverse happens I expect him to run a really good race,” Reeves said.
“But it wouldn’t shock me if he runs midfield or down the track.
“Seven years is a long time and there is nothing like race fitness.
“Sometimes they are found wanting after a long time off.
“But I expect him to go pretty well.”
Julio Santarelli