Racing: Hayes plots big targets for All American

David Hayes is hoping 4-year-old All American can emulate former stable star Barely A Moment and pull off a group one double this spring.

The Red Ransom entire will launch his campaign in today's Aurie's Star Handicap (1200m) at Flemington but far bigger targets are in his sights if he can recapture the form he showed as a juvenile.

Hayes has likened All American to Barely A Moment, who was a brilliant 2-year-old, winning the group one VRC Sires' Produce Stakes, before losing form as a 3-year-old.

Barely A Moment rebounded as a 4-year-old in the 2005 spring to land a group one double - the Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) and Toorak Handicap (1600m).

All American emerged as a potential star when stablemate Reaan narrowly beat him in the 2008 Blue Diamond Stakes but like Barely A Moment, he was winless as a 3-year-old.

"I am hoping that he can do a bit of a Barely A Moment and come back and be a good 4-year-old," Hayes said.

He said next month's Rupert Clarke and the Toorak in October appealed as races that could suit All American who has won three of his 17 starts.

"That is what he's been set for," he said. While All American wasn't wound up for the Aurie's Star, he was confident he would acquit himself well.

"He looks terrific and I would expect him to be competitive in a race like this," Hayes said.

But he said whatever the result, All American would be better for the run.

"He is carrying more condition than he ever has, so whatever he does he will improve on."

All American is on the fourth line of TAB Sportsbet charts at A$13, just ahead of 2007 Cox Plate winner El Segundo (A$15) who is on the comeback trail after injuring a joint.

Gran Sasso opened favourite at A$2.30 but has eased to A$2.50 following support for Mic Mac who joins him at the head of betting.

- AAP