Racing: Hayes charge to take on world's best

David Hayes plans an international programme for Nicconi, hailing him as the best sprinter he has trained after a brilliant spring campaign launch at Moonee Valley.

Hayes said Nicconi was his banner horse for the spring but was making long-range plans to take on the world's best sprinters with the 4-year-old in 2010.

"He's got a couple of Group Ones this spring but it is all about next autumn and going to Dubai [in March] and then Royal Ascot [June]," Hayes said. "I think he is the best sprinter I have trained."

Nicconi's first Group One win was in The Galaxy last autumn but he made a stunning return yesterday, flashing home from second last to win the Group Three McEwen Stakes (1000m).

Hayes couldn't hide his excitement after watching Nicconi "amble" up to the leaders and race away to a length win over Morgan Dollar and Secret Flyer.

"I have a feeling that he is in for a very good spring," Hayes said. "He went around them pretty easily and I love horses when they amble up like that.

"Normally they do that down in class, not up in class."

Hayes said Nicconi would be sparingly raced with the Group One Manikato Stakes (1200m) under lights at Moonee Valley on September 25 his next assignment before the Group One Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) at Flemington on the last day of the Melbourne Cup carnival.

"He is two from two at the Valley and the way he raced today I think he will eat 1200 metres [in the Manikato]. He will love it."

Such was Hayes' confidence yesterday he thought Nicconi might break Miss Andretti's race record of 57.22s.

With gale-force winds buffeting the track Nicconi went close with a time of 57.49s.

Nicconi is a half-brother to Niconero, whose five Group One wins include the Australian Cup (2000m) last March.

Also prepared by Hayes, Niconero then finished fourth in the Dubai Duty Free (1800m).

However, Hayes said Nicconi would be trained as a specialist sprinter and be aimed at a turf sprint in Dubai and races such as the Golden Jubilee and King's Stand Stakes in England.

"I think he can be invincible as a sprinter," Hayes said.

- AAP