G1 Golden Slipper surprise for Bold Bastille
Lindsay Park trainers Ben, Will and J D Hayes will hold talks with the ownership group of Bold Bastille over a potential Golden Slipper start after her impressive win at Caulfield.
The filly led throughout to claim the Listed Redoute’s Choice Stakes (1100m) on Saturday to keep dreams alive of starting in Australia’s biggest two-year-old race at Rosehill next Saturday.
Ben Hayes said those discussions would take place over the next 24 to 48 hours once they determine how the filly recovers from Saturday’s victory.
“Off that win today I don’t think I’d hesitate to go to 1200 (metres) and with the form being franked in Sydney today with Drifting winning, it gives you a lot of confidence,” Hayes said.
Sent out the $1.50 betting app favourite under Mark Zahra, Bold Bastille led throughout in scoring by 1-¾ lengths from Immortal Star ($6) with Yes Lulu ($9.50) a nose away in third place.
Hayes said what impressed the team most was the way Bold Bastille ran out the 1100m journey.
There had been some questioning Bold Bastille’s ability at 1100m after her first-up defeat in the Blue Diamond Prelude last month, but the filly was recovering from a set-back courtesy of a slight virus early in her preparation.
“That’s probably what we liked the most, the way she ran out 1100 (metres) today,” Hayes said.
“She did get pressured early, she responded to Mark’s urgings, and she won quite easily again on the line, so that was really pleasing.
“We now have to make a decision on what we do with her. We’re going to have a nice discussion with the owners over the next 24-48 hours and decide what we’re going to do.”
Zahra, who has been aboard the filly in her four career starts that has netted three wins, said he does not see any reason why the filly would not run out a strong 1200m.
“I think you’ve got to have a try, don’t you? She’s won so well at 1100 (metres),” Zahra said.
“Today she had an easy enough time, but she’s winning so easily and there’s so much more to offer if you can get to 1200, so you’ve got have a crack and find out.”
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