The Pendragon will return to the races this weekend under new management, with the talented gelding to debut for Lindsay Park in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.

Originally trained by the late Mike Moroney, who believed the horse could measure up in Australia, The Pendragon showed promise in New Zealand where he claimed the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) and ran second to Orchestral in the Karaka Millions. He was then sent across the Tasman for the Group 1 Australian Guineas, but a lengthy campaign took its toll and he was spelled.

After failing to fire in two spring runs last year, The Pendragon has now been transferred to Ben, Will and J D Hayes following Moroney’s passing. Ben Hayes is optimistic about his chances fresh up.

“We’ve only had him this prep and he’s been going well,” Hayes said. “The 1200 metres looks a nice option to start him off. In a small field he can balance up, finish off and hopefully surprise us. He was a Group 2 winner in New Zealand and he seems to have settled well at Pakenham.”

The Pendragon’s Kiwi form ties in with some of the best horses in the region, including wins over Quintessa and a strong second to Orchestral, the New Zealand Derby and Vinery Stud Stakes winner. The Hayes team will now look to see if he can bring that form to Australia.

Markets for the Chautauqua Stakes and The Pendragon’s return can be found at Australia’s leading betting sites.