Ndola chasing Australian Guineas win for Lindsay Park
The Lindsay Park stable, led by Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, is aiming to return to the winner’s circle in the Australian Guineas this Saturday, with Ndola representing the team in the Group 1 1600m contest at Flemington.
Lindsay Park last tasted success in the Australian Guineas when Miss Finland triumphed in 2007 under David Hayes. The stable was dominant in the race’s early years, securing victories with Military Plume (1987), King’s High (1989), and Zabeel (1990) under Colin Hayes’ training.
Ndola enters the Guineas third-up this preparation, having bounced back from a last-place finish at Sandown on January 25 to produce a strong second-place run behind Sepals in the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) on February 8.
Ben Hayes is pleased with Ndola’s progress and believes he is hitting peak condition at the perfect time.
“He’s come through his last race really well, especially given the tough run from a wide draw,” Hayes said.
“The 1600m trip is something we’ve been working toward, and his performance in the CS Hayes was outstanding. He has continued to improve since then, and we are really happy with where he is at.”
Saturday will mark Ndola’s first start over the 1600m distance, but Hayes is confident that it will suit him, considering his strong efforts over 1400m.
Initially targeted for the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) last spring, Ndola was ultimately spelled due to immaturity, a decision the stable believes has benefited him in the long run.
“He’s a big, athletic colt, and we’ve always had this race in mind for him,” Hayes said.
“He had a minor setback earlier in the prep, but he’s really found his rhythm now.”
Hayes believes that maturity, combined with a return to firmer ground, will bring out Ndola’s best performance.
“We did the right thing by giving him time, and he has come back stronger. He’s in top shape, and getting back onto a firm track should play to his strengths.”
“The form from his last start holds up well, and we are confident he will run a big race on Saturday.”
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