"He didn't fall too far out of shape. I think it's one of his biggest attributes...he's probably one of the fittest horses I've ever seen and it's not going to take much for him to start doing his work."
World champion Hes Watching is well underway in preparation for his sophomore campaign for trainer and co-owner David Menary.
The undefeated son of American Ideal set six track records last season along with two world records at both Tioga Downs and Yonkers Raceway. Hes Watching has started training for his sophomore campaign after returning to Menary's barn in the first week of January.
Menary co-owns the talented pacer with Brad Gray, Michael Guerriero and Muscara Racing Trust, who purchased an interest of the colt in the latter part of 2013.
"We're pretty excited. He's the kind of horse that makes you want to get up in the morning," Menary told WEG Media in a recent interview. It's just a pleasure to sit behind him everyday...I kind of missed him when he was gone all Winter."
Hes Watching wintered in South Carolina at Chris Coyle's Olive Branch Farm, with Menary stating that he did an "unbelievable job" with Hes Watching as well as two other colts from his stable.
"Today was only his second day [training] with the hopples on," stated Menary. "I'll probably look at training him next week. We'll start slow, just play it by ear with the weather."
A mere $3,000 yearling purchase, Hes Watching captured all eight of his victories this past season while racing in the New York Sire Stakes program.
The eyes of harness racing will be on Hes Watching come stakes season as the colt is expected to be more heavily stakes in the Grand Circuit events.
"We want to dance in all the big dances; hopefully, he's up to it," said Menary, noting that the race for his season's debut has yet to be finalized but citing the New York Sire Stakes, the Somebeachsomewhere and the Art Rooney as options.
"He's just all power, he grew a little taller and little bit longer and for me it was just enough. I didn't want him to turn into a new horse and end up with problems. He came back as the little-bit bigger version of the good horse he was last year."
This Sunday, Hes Watching could capture divisional honours in the Dan Patch Awards. He's one of two finalists, the other being Breeders Crown winner Luck Be Withyou. Hes Watching was ineligible to win the O'Brien Award as he didn't make the required number of starts in Canada.
"It's an honour to be nominated. I'd like to say that maybe we have a 60 percent chance...win, lose or draw, I'm going to be there and have a good time."
(with files from WEG)