Promising pacer primed for home state return

PROMISING youngster Hez So Royal will make his home state return tomorrow night.

Sent for a well-earned break following his Southern Cross Final success last December, Hez So Royal was taken across the border on June 19 when first-up from his spell.

Third on that occasion, the three-year-old was then sent back to score in Mildura a fortnight ago.

Rapt Hez So Royal completed his first task this campaign, trainer Alan Cronin will switch his focus to the gelding’s long term goals.

Stating Hez So Royal’s Southern Cross title defence is on top of the ‘to do’ list, Cronin is also looking for tackle a Vicbred Super Series with the son of Soho Tribeca.

Vicbred heats are scheduled to be conducted in Kilmore on August 27, while the Southern Cross is programmed for December.

Cronin has the Southern Cross listed as Hez So Royal’s “Grand Final” for the year.

“He had a long break after the Southern Cross, which was always the plan,” Cronin said. “I have had a few hiccups with him, but I was never going to race him early in the year.

“A slow start to the season was the go knowing he has a busy end of year coming up.

“The Vicbred is something I’d like to have a look at, so if he is going well enough, I will have a shot at the stumps.

“The Southern Cross has always been the main target, it is his Grand Final, so everything we do will be about having him at his best for that.”

As for his pending assignment, Hez So Royal is poised to head to Globe Derby where he will tackle older rivals over 1800 metres.

Despite being the widest draw in the field of six, Cronin is confident Hez So Royal can add to his record of eight wins and three placings from 13 starts.

“There is a bit of form in the race, and all the speed is inside him, but I’m confident if he puts in his best, he will win,” Cronin said.