After making a successful career debut in the Group III Maribyrnong Plate at Flemington on Victoria Oaks day last November, the royally-bred All Too Hard x Snitzerland colt Hard Landing disappointed at his next start in the Group III Blue Diamond Prelude in February, which was put down to a severe respiratory infection, and he was done for the season.
Making his three-year-old debut in Saturday’s Jockey Celebration Day Hcp (1000m), the Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes-trained colt sat on the speed set by Theresabearinthere before Thomas Stockdale set him to an all-out drive approaching the home turn.
After getting the better of Theresabearinthere, Hard Landing held the challenge of the Prise Of Dubai gelding Diesel 'n' Dust by half a length with the Charge Forward colt The Cruiser the same distance back in third.
Co-trainer Ben Hayes said the colt was very sick after his disappointment at Caulfield.
“It’s fantastic to see him back. He was a lightly raced two-year-old because he became really sick after his last run and he had to have a big dose of antibiotics,” Hayes said.
“We’ve really looked after him and he has come back fantastic. He’s really matured into himself.
“Today was a bit of a test because there is a race here (the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m)) on the 22nd."
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A $280,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Vinery draft for Lindsay Park Racing/Andrew Williams Bloodstock, Hard Landing runs for a syndicate that includes Darren Thomas, Neil Werrett and Steve McCann.
A brother to the Group III-placed Saas Fee, hard Landing is the second foal and second winner for the near $2 million earner Snitzerland.
The daughter of Snitzel was a 6-time Group winner highlighted by her defeat of Shamexpress and Samaready in the Group 1 VRC Lightning Stakes and was second to the champion Pierro in the Golden Slipper.
Domeland outlaid $600,000 to purchase Snitzerland’s I Am Invincible colt at this year’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. He has been named Chief Conductor.
After foaling another I Am Invincible colt last spring, Snitzerland was covered the Yarraman Park stallion again last year.
