Grunt wins 2018 C S Hayes Stakes Group 3 $150,000 at Flemington (VIC), 1400m.

Mick Price-trained colt Grunt advanced quickly in class and impressed in taking out this Group Three race when having only his fourth start. He began well and settled nicely in sixth place (wide with cover and tracking Cliff’s Edge), before challenging at the 100m. He then finished a bit too well to score a very good win. It was also a really good ride by Damien Oliver.

Cliff’s Edge began well but was caught three deep without cover in third place from his wide barrier (11). He moved up nicely to take the lead at the 200m and then fought gamely under his top weight (58.5kg) for second in a really good performance from a quality colt.

Muraaqeb raced back in 12th place, between runners, before improving in the centre of the track from the 300m. He then kept running on well, getting up just in time to take third in a good second up performance.

Main Stage raced near the tail of the 16-horse field, got a split at the 200m and then made good ground to finish (1.9 lengths) fourth in a very promising first up effort.

Scarecrow battled on nicely for (2.4 lengths) fifth after running a bold race whilst the New Zealand colt Embellish was handy all the way and held on for (2.9 lengths) sixth after seeming to have had every chance and Peaceful State also appeared to have had his chance before fighting on for seventh, beaten just under four lengths.