Uncertain plans despite brilliant racing return

PLANS remain uncertain with Honolua Bay despite his brilliant return to racing.

Making his debut for premier trainer Emma Stewart, Honolua Bay captured the Four and Five-Year-Old Championship at Tabcorp Park Melton just moments ago in what was his first run since May.

Although thrilled with her latest stable acquisition’s performance, Stewart stated she has no set plans for the son of Somebeachsomewhere.

“I’m not really sure what is next for him,” Stewart said. “That’s because I hadn’t looked past tonight with him.

“We’ll see how he gets through tonight before we make any firm decision.

“He is eligible for the Breeders’ Crown next month and the Sires’ in December, so there are some good options coming up for him.”

Driven by David Moran, Honolua Bay began quickly to lead from barrier two as Willie Go West and then Pacifico Dream occupied the ‘death seat’.

Striding clear at the top of the home straight, Honolua Bay staved a late challenge from his stablemate, Out To Play, to score by two metres.

Our Millionaire completed a Stewart trifecta when four-and-a-half metres away third.

“He’s a nice type and had been working terrifically, so we expected a big run from him,” Stewart said.

“Once he got to the front he was always going to be hard to run down, but David certainly summed up the race perfectly.”

Rating 1:53.6 over 2240 metres, the four-year-old took his record to 10 wins and two placings from 17 starts for earnings of $117,650.