Alenquer primed for 2025 Zipping Classic tilt

The Hayes brothers—Ben, Will and J D—believe a longer journey is exactly what Alenquer needs as the talented import chases his first Australian win.

The French-bred son of Adlerflug arrived in 2022 after claiming a Group 1 in Ireland, but hopes of a Melbourne Cup campaign were derailed by a tendon injury that kept him out for nearly two seasons.

Following the passing of trainer Mike Moroney, Alenquer shifted to Lindsay Park and will have his fifth start for the stable on Saturday.

He produced a strong second over 2040m at Moonee Valley before finishing seventh behind Via Sistina in the Champions Stakes (2000m) during Cup week.

“He’s getting out to a trip for the first time in a long time,” Ben Hayes said.

“We ran him in a very hard race last start behind probably the best horse in Australia at the moment, Via Sistina, and I thought he held himself well.

“He did everything correct that day and the 2400 (metres) will be, I think, what he’s looking for now.

“He’s coming back from a tendon injury. He’s been slowly building and his fitness is improving, and I think it’s a race he can be competitive in.”

Alenquer has been carefully managed through trials and two suitable 2000m races, and the stable believes Saturday represents his chance to show his best.

Rain-affected going would only help his chances.

“He’s fifth up, he’s got good fitness on his base,” Hayes said.

“He’s had a long, slow build-up and I think it’s a race that we hope to see the best of him.

“He showed glimpses with his second at The Valley and obviously it was a heavy track and much harder competition in the Champion Stakes.

“It had been a long time since he had seen a heavy track like that, but looking at the weather, it could be good something he’s running on again.”

The Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) shapes as his likely next assignment if he comes through Saturday well.

“That’s the thinking if he pulls up well,” Hayes said.

“He’s a happy horse. That’s a good thing about him that he actually enjoys being in work and you know he is enjoying it.

“And with his problems, he’ll be one of those horses that we probably keep in work for a year.”

Lindsay Park is yet to win the Zipping Classic since its 1998 change in conditions, though Alenquer’s former trainer Mike Moroney won the race back-to-back with Sound.

If you're punting on Alenquer or the staying features ahead, check the latest odds at the best Australian betting sites.