Australian sprinter Headwall could be targeting an international campaign next year following his strong performances in recent high-profile races. Trainer Matt Smith indicated that discussions have already begun about sending the horse to compete at Royal Ascot after Headwall’s impressive showing in The TAB Everest at Royal Randwick last weekend.
Headwall, who returned from a year-long break earlier this year, finished a close fourth in the $15 million Everest, just three-quarters of a length behind winner Tempted. In that race, Ka Ying Rising and Joliestar placed second and third respectively. During the race, Headwall challenged alongside top sprinter Ka Ying Rising but narrowly missed out on a placing.
Smith revealed that the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot, formerly known as the King’s Stand Stakes, is under consideration for Headwall’s next major target. “We could be every chance to go to Royal Ascot,” the trainer said, adding that he planned to discuss and formulate a detailed long-range race plan with the owners following the upcoming Group 2 Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) scheduled at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
The Russell Balding Stakes presents a significant opportunity for Headwall on the domestic front as well. With potential bonuses totalling up to $1.2 million available in the Sportsbet Bet With Mates Series, Headwall is positioned to improve his standing. Currently holding nine points, he could surpass Joliestar, who has 10 points but is unlikely to contest the race, by defeating the mare in the upcoming event. Victory would award Headwall an additional $500,000 in bonuses. The series bonus pool includes $1 million for the winner of the Russell Balding Stakes among horses that have contested either The Everest, Sydney Stakes, or The Kosciuszko.
Meanwhile, Tempted, the Everest winner who holds an unassailable lead with 20 points in the bonus series, is expected to compete in the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington in Melbourne. Joliestar, trained by Chris Waller, appears set to head south for the same race, setting up another potential encounter with Tempted.
Smith expressed confidence in keeping Headwall based in Sydney for now. Notably, Headwall has yet to compete over 1300 meters, a distance that will be tested in the Russell Balding Stakes. “We will give him a shot for sure,” Smith said.
With Headwall’s recent form and promising prospects at both domestic and international levels, the sprinter’s campaign will be closely watched in the coming months.