Oak Hill lands timely Lindsay Park win

Lindsay Park’s Ben, Will and J D Hayes snagged a timely metro victory when Oak Hill scored at Caulfield, easing a turbulent start to 2026 for the powerhouse stable.

The sprinter’s success in Saturday’s Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) followed January 21 Sandown wins by Vivacissimo and Crocodile, and arrived after a testing month marked by on-track frustrations and bushfires that forced evacuations from sections of the Lindsay Park estate.

Driven by Damian Lane, Oak Hill ($4.60) out-kicked Don’t Hope Do ($9) by a long head, with $2.70 favourite Hedged a further 1¼ lengths away in third.

“We are definitely happy to put January behind us and that was a terrific effort,” Hayes said.

“I thought he put the writing on the wall last start with his return run. We’ve taken all the gear off his head and he’s just starting to really learn his craft.

“He’s a late learner and a horse that we inherited from the late, great, Mike Moroney and he is getting better each preparation.

“And it’s great to get Damian Lane back on board. He won quite a few races on him and it’s always good to get a winner for Rupert Legh in those colours.”

Connections are eyeing the handicap showcase, the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 21, as Oak Hill’s next assignment. Lane, who has now partnered the gelding to five of his eight wins, believes the set-up suits.

“He’s always had the talent and you can put him a touch closer and he’s got the turn-of-foot still,” Lane said.

“He’d handle it (Oakleigh Plate) well. He’s got that experience now in short course racing, hustle and bustle, and now that he’s more mature in the mind that’ll help him, and it will set up well.”

For those following futures, check live prices across the major books as the Oakleigh Plate approaches.