2026 CS Hayes Stakes and Australian Guineas the goals for Sandown winner

Loud Charlie’s breakthrough win at Sandown has prompted trainer Lloyd Kennewell to start thinking bigger as the autumn carnival approaches.

Making just his second race appearance, the gelding claimed the Thoroughbred Club Of Australia Plate (1300m) and stamped himself as a horse with upside.

“I’m still not sure if he’s the full version of himself yet,” Kennewell said.

“Does he get to an Australian Guineas, I don’t know, but the CS Hayes Stakes is potentially next, but I want to make sure he pulls up good first and then work out where we go with him.”

Ridden by Jamie Mott, Loud Charlie ($3.50) proved too strong, defeating Saludar ($6) by a length with favourite The Benchmark finishing third.

Kennewell said the form from the gelding’s debut at Terang had since been franked.

“I was trying to work out how he got beaten at Terang and then on Monday we saw the formline come through with Mitch Freedman’s horse winning easily,” he said.

“He has been a work in progress and Ethan Brown did a bit of work on him and really liked him. He was meant to ride him but got suspended and Jamie was the lucky recipient of that.”

The trainer said it had taken time to get Loud Charlie comfortable on race day.

“He struggled going through the gears,” Kennewell said.

“He would gallop really well at home but on wet tracks and in jump-outs he was letting me down.

“Once I took him to Caulfield this prep and he trialled well, I knew we were right to go.

“I think a mile in time, but I don’t know how much further.”

Those following his progression toward the CS Hayes Stakes can track the latest racing betting markets ahead of his next assignment.

The post Trainer has high hopes for maiden winner first appeared on Just Horse Racing.