Former Hong Kong star comes out to play

Former Hong Kong champion Happy Zero will make his first public appearance for the Hawkes Racing team at next Tuesday’s Warwick Farm barrier trials.

The former John Moore-trained galloper was a three time Group winner in Hong Kong including the 2010 Group I Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m).

Happy Zero hasn’t raced since finishing down the track in last year’s Group I Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

"It always puts a spring in your step when a horse like him is in the stable,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.

"We’re looking forward to seeing how he trials on Tuesday but all the indications are good.

"He’s ticking over nicely.”

Hawkes said the training team of his father John, brother Wayne and himself are "keeping the options open” with all eyes on next Tuesday’s performance in the trial.

"We’ll see how he comes through next week but he could have another trial and then we’ll decided where to kick him off as there are an abundance of options,” he said.

Earlier in the day it was incorrectly reported by yours truly that Maluckyday was trialling on Tuesday.

Maluckyday only returned to the Hawkes stables two weeks ago but is also "ticking over nicely”.

Story: Clinton Payne RaceNet

Photo: Martin King www.sportpix.com.au