Hayes chasing consecutive Blue Ribands

ASTUTE horseman Craig Hayes has got his eyes set on consecutive Tasmanian Derby victories.

Successful in last year’s edition of his home state’s Blue Riband, Hayes has earmarked the Classic as Semowillrev’s first major target.

Hayes’ previous Derby success came with Scooterwillrev, with this season’s running scheduled for April 8.

Scooterwillrev was unbeaten from 11 starts on the Apple Isle heading into the Derby, while Semowillrev boasts an imposing tally of five wins and a third from six outings.

Semowillrev registered his latest in Carrick last night.

“I am very happy with him,” Hayes said. “He’s come back from freshen up really well and is ready to go on with it.

“That was his first start in 10 weeks, so he will certainly be better for it.

“I’ve got the Derby set his priority and will find a couple runs for him between now and then to tighten him up.”

Driven by top reinsman Gareth Rattray, Semowillrev was given time to settle from his second row draw before being angled three-wide during the middle stages.

Sustaining a long sprint, the son of Sportswriter dashed to a 12-metre win from Similan Beach, with Bobbi Direct a nose away third in a modest 2:04.5 over 2150 metres.

“He’s done a bit of work, but the time wasn’t overly quick, so it wasn’t too hard on him,” Hayes said. “He has pulled up a treat and will definitely benefit from the run.

“I didn’t think he was all that strong early on, but he is getting stronger all the time.

“He’s always been very fast, with a great turn of foot, so that extra strength will make him more versatile.”