Trainer David Hayes is never one to pass up an opportunity.

Hayes has former Hong Kong galloper Swift Shadow having his first run for the stable at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Having initially started his career with Gai Waterhouse in Sydney, Swift Shadow made his way to John Size in Hong Kong where he was successful at Sha Tin last year.

The gelding is owned by Oliver Wong who also has Star Fashion with Hayes.

A Group Three winner during the Caulfield Cup carnival last October, Star Fashion was heading to Hong Kong following her sixth placing in the Queensland Oaks last June.

However the daughter of Street Cry failed a veterinary examination because of a breathing issue and remained in the care of Hayes and his training partner Tom Dabernig.

But with plans already under way for Star Fashion to head to Hong Kong, Wong needed to cull one of his horses and decided to send Swift Shadow back to Australia.

It has turned out to be a win-win situation for Hayes and Dabernig.

“He got sent to me but then Star Fashion didn’t pass the vet,” Hayes said.

“Now I’ve got both of them and since then Star Fashion has came out and won a Group Three, so it has worked out well for me.”

Hayes said he had tossed up whether to run Swift Shadow over 1200m on Saturday or in the Benchmark 78 race over 1000m.

“I just thought with less pressure in the 1200-metre (race) might be easier on him,” Hayes said.

“He trialled well but he’s a fizzy sort of horse so I’ve spent most of my time slowing him down not speeding him up so it will be his first test.

“He’ll travel and he’ll look the winner at some stage but I’ll be holding my breath in the final stages.”

Swift Shadow is an $18 chance and will be ridden by Michael Walker.

Article from justhorseracing.com.au