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.”
More Racing News
Adelaide hosts Niance's campaign launch
Grahame Begg, the trainer, is travelling to Adelaide featuring his capable mare Niance, potentially opening doors to a Brisbane-focused campaign for the quick runner.Since Flemington lacks fitting sprint races for Niance on Saturday, Begg chooses the Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes (1100m) held at Morphettville.By chance, Flemington's Anzac Day schedule...
Cap Ferrat set for reunion with Williams in Queen Elizabeth II Cup
The top jockey Craig Williams seeks to conclude a demanding weekend on a high note with a Group 1 win in Hong Kong, reuniting with 2025 Hong Kong Derby champion Cap Ferrat in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin come April 26.On Saturday, Williams boasts almost a...
Recon hands Carey elusive Hareeba Stakes success
Pat Carey, the hometown conditioner, has banished his Hareeba Stakes hoodoo after Recon unleashed a dazzling closing effort to take out the prize at Mornington.Carey had endured ongoing frustration in the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m), pursuing a victory across several campaigns, notably second with Kelthorpe in 2006 and third via...
All Aged Stakes delivers Beiwacht's second elite victory
Hall of Fame conditioner Chris Waller's unbeaten autumn dominance in Sydney received a fitting finale from Godolphin's Beiwacht, who powered to a determined lead-all-the-way success versus a elite opposition in the Group 1 $1.5 million All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.In addition, Waller filled the first two...
Mornington Cup win gives Kings Valley direct entry to Caulfield Cup
Kings Valley, under the guidance of trainer Ciaron Maher, has clinched a ballot exemption for the Caulfield Cup courtesy of a gritty performance at Mornington.The Listed Mornington Cup conquest on Saturday delivers the 'Golden Ticket' access to the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) scheduled for October.Maher notched his second Mornington...
Pride stable trifecta topped by Mazu in Hall Mark Stakes
At eight years old, the exceptional Mazu maintains his sharp turn of foot and zest for competition, setting the tempo wire-to-wire for his third consecutive triumph in Saturday's Group 3 $250,000 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m).Previously, Pride's star had mastered the Hall Mark on rain-affected surfaces where he excels, but facing...
Waller's record Sydney autumn run ends with Fireball edging Champagne Stakes
Chris Waller, the celebrated Hall of Fame trainer, notched a historic Sydney Saturday Group 1 sweep as Fireball got the better of stable companion Campione D'Italia in Saturday's $1 million Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick.The autumn carnival's eighth straight (and last) Sydney Saturday of Group 1 races saw Waller...
JRA Plate victory confirms Asterix at his sharpest
The win by Asterix stood out as somewhat surprising compared to Waller's earlier triumphs, given the progressive eight-year-old gelding was dispatched at $16 into the race.Having captured the New Zealand Derby four years back, Asterix lost momentum for a period before flashing his class last summer with a win in...
Strong Frank Packer Plate win boosts Matias for Queensland Derby
With a powerful victory in the Group 3 $250,000 Frank Packer Plate (2000m), Matias has positioned himself firmly in the Queensland Derby picture.Stablemate Snitzel Dancer had triumphed in the Group 3 Carr Stakes only 35 minutes beforehand.Snitzel, under Ryan's guidance, took out an Oakleigh Plate before retiring to Arrowfield Stud,...
Snitzel Dancer's stakes win opens door to Queensland Oaks campaign
Trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou's belief in Snitzel Dancer was rewarded as the filly claimed her first stakes victory in the Group 3 $250,000 James HB Carr Stakes (1400m).The trainer was puzzled by the filly's efforts in back-to-back Warwick Farm appearances that launched her season.Yet, her dominant Hawkesbury performance...