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.
More Racing News
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...
Chains Of Love's stunning Kosciuszko win defies the odds
In a truly remarkable turn of events, Chains Of Love, despite her challenging draw and a run wide for the entirety of the race, managed to surge past Band Of Brothers in a thrilling conclusion.This victory marks a consecutive win in The Kosciuszko for the training partnership of Paul Messara...
Grafterburners triumphs in Sydney Stakes after declining Everest start
Kelly Schweida, the trainer, has disclosed that he declined an offer for an Everest slot for Grafterburners to focus on its $2 million consolation race. This decision has proven to be a masterstroke, as the colt has claimed a thrilling Sydney Stakes victory at Randwick.The Queensland trainer felt his charge...
So You Are books Melbourne Cup ticket after St Leger triumph
The connections of improving stayer So You Are can celebrate a successful outcome, as the horse has overcome a pre-race incident to position itself favourably for a Melbourne Cup start.In Saturday's St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick, the Bjorn Baker-trained $3.30 favourite, ridden by Tommy Berry, demonstrated resilience to fend...
Caulfield Classic and Ethereal Stakes Produce New Classic Hopefuls
The complexion of the Spring Carnival's two major Group 1 Classics was altered on Saturday with the emergence of two significant new players at Caulfield.King Snitz has propelled himself into Victoria Derby calculations following a last-stride triumph in the Caulfield Classic, while Quick Finish has climbed the Oaks betting charts...