Hong Kong superstar Happy Zero will be having his first Australian start for trainer Wayne Hawkes in the Group 3 McEwan Stakes at Moonee Valley.
The seven-year-old was previously trained in Hong Kong by John Moore but was transferred to Australia after his 22nd place finish in the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes in Ascot in July.
The Danzero gelding, who has multiple Group wins to his name, took part in two trials in Sydney before travelling to Melbourne to begin his spring carnival campaign.
“He’s done really well and he’s been down in Melbourne about three weeks… and I really do think he’s a bit better down here,” Hawkes said.
The trainer is hopeful Happy Zero’s performance this weekend will mirror his Hong Kong form.
“We really have to wait and see how he runs on Saturday,” he said.
“He’s not really a 1,000 metre horses that’s for sure but it’s just a good stepping stone for him.
“The harder they go and the better they go the better we are going to hit the line.
“If he’s hitting the line good and he’s powering home at the end which I think he will that will be as good as winning for us.”
Happy Zero has won eight of his 14 international starts and has earned the equivalent of approximately $2.4 million in prize money.
