Hayes’ star shining again

David Hayes put a series of frustrations behind him on Saturday when his star performer Weregoingtogetcha returned to his best form.

The Awapuni trainer has endured a trying 12 months with the five-year-old, but all was forgotten after the entire charged away with the Gr.3 Hotel Coachman Manawatu Cup on his home track.

“He’s had his share of problems, but it’s all settled down now and he’s getting on with the job,” Hayes said.

Weregoingtogetcha finished runner-up in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic nearly 12 months ago, but after Ellerslie he was laid low by a bout of colic and dehydration.

Hayes then had a horror spring with the entire’s Triple Crown prospects bogged down by wet tracks and a viral complaint.

Weregoingtogetcha showed he was on the way back with a solid third three runs back and he then ran fifth in the cup prelude.

“He’s doing everything right now, but we did have a few problems with his teeth and that’s why he was hanging,” Hayes said.

Ridden on Saturday by Mark Du Plessis, who was aboard in the Zabeel, Weregoingtogetcha settled midfield on the fence.

“We got shuffled back a bit further than I wanted, but we got the split at the top of the straight and he won well,” Du Plessis said.

“I said all week that if he brought his Zabeel form then he would be hard to handle. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him win a Group One.”

Weregoingtogetcha, who will now be readied for the Wellington Cup carnival, finished too well for King Kamada and Sampson took third money. The topweight Authentic Paddy boxed on well for fourth ahead of the northern mare Salford Art.