Flemington straight trial boosts Gin Twist to victory
Familiarity with the straight course has paid dividends, enabling Lindsay Park fillies to fill the top two positions at Flemington.
The quinella in Saturday's Listed TAB We're On (1000m) went to Gin Twist and La Gitana, both under the care of Ben, Will and J D Hayes, after they tackled an 800m jump-out on the Flemington straight February 20.
According to Ben Hayes, that trial experience made all the difference, as stable companion Jacaranda, sent off at $3.20 favourite, missed it and settled for fifth.
Gin Twist ($3.50), partnered by Luke Currie, prevailed by 1-¾ lengths against La Gitana ($5), while The Troubleshooter ($17) trailed by a further 2-¾ lengths for third.
"Two-year-olds are very hard," Hayes said.
"They either get it wrong, which we saw with Jacaranda, who dropped the bit early and didn't look comfortable, they don't know how to get into a rhythm, whereas the other two were professional, they jumped, got into a rhythm and gave good kicks.
"It's a bit of a guessing game when you're running them and I say that to the owners, they either handle it or they won't.
"We say don't worry about that as they will improve out of sight. Having a look and seeing how they handle it is very important."
The trainer mentioned facing expectations from Coolmore Australia boss Tom Magnier for a trifecta from his fillies.
With yearling sales underway, he desired the strong showing for Home Affairs, the sire of these three juveniles.
"We had a bit of pressure on us," Hayes said.
"Tom said to us, if we didn't get the trifecta with the Home Affairs fillies, we would be in trouble.
"Sorry Tom, we only got the quinella, hopefully that's OK.
"It was an impressive win. I got a bit worried as she got a bit hot in the mounting yard and got a bit worked up, but she jumped, she looked like she was comfortable the whole race and went to the line quite easily."
Hayes plans team talks to plot Gin Twist's path forward, keeping open the option of heading to Sydney for the Golden Slipper at Rosehill in the coming month.
Explore online bookmakers offering competitive betting sites for races ahead like the Golden Slipper.
More Racing News
Warwick Farm sees Grima and Nock in tight premiership race
The compelling chase for the Sydney apprentices premiership between rising stars Siena Grima and Braith Nock continues at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.While Nock has been the leader for much of the season, Grima has recently gained significant momentum. Her treble at Royal Randwick last Saturday, with victories aboard Tazima, Perfect...
Flemington Cup a potential target for Stern Idol
A first-time run at Flemington was not initially on Stern Idol's agenda, but with his steeplechase rivals withdrawing, a change of plans could lead to a significant win for those involved.The highly-rated steeplechaser is one of 21 hopefuls entered for the $150,000 Deane Lester Flemington Cup, scheduled for this Saturday.This...
Fire Star draws wide as Snowden aims for Ramornie Handicap record
Peter Snowden, a decorated trainer, faces an obstacle in his pursuit of an unprecedented seventh Ramornie Handicap title. His contender, Fire Star, has drawn the extreme outside barrier for the $200,000 Listed feature at Grafton on Wednesday. Fire Star was allocated barrier 14, with the Ramornie Handicap attracting a full...
Legendary jockey Cyril Small recovering from major stroke
Cyril Small, the celebrated rider of the iconic front-runner Vo Rogue, is currently hospitalised after experiencing a significant stroke.The 67-year-old sportsman became critically unwell on Saturday and was promptly taken to Gold Coast University Hospital, as confirmed by the Queensland Jockeys' Association through a statement released yesterday.Currently, the former jockey's...
Cliff Brown's Group 1 stars preparing for spring return
Two of Cliff Brown's talented Group 1 horses are back in Melbourne and set to begin their spring campaign training.Sepals and Von Hauke have been enjoying a spell in Queensland's pleasant weather following their second and third placings, respectively, in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm last...
Mickey's Medal shines in Randwick victory
Annabel Archibald, the trainer of Mickey's Medal, pointed to jockey Sam Clipperton's audacious riding strategy after their triumph in the Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.While Clipperton gave Mickey's Medal some encouragement before the home turn, the gelding handled the arduous heavy conditions with ease, appearing full...
Ichnusa wins again at Caulfield
The Ciaron Maher stable appeared to have a strong contingent in contention for a Caulfield three-year-old event, but it was the outsider of their duo who ultimately claimed the victory.Maher's stable entered both the $2.40 favourite Decalogue and the $6.50 chance Ichnusa for the Sportsbet Feed Handicap (2000m) held on...
Tazima impresses with another winter win
Tazima, partnered by jockey Grima, achieved their third consecutive triumph in the Precise Air Handicap (1800m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.The promising colt Tazima has now notched up five wins this season, a notable achievement. Trainer Chris Waller commented that this latest victory was arguably his best performance."I feel that...
Winnasedge's Caulfield Success in Sir John Monash Stakes
Trainer Nick Ryan commented that favourable circumstances again presented themselves at Caulfield, leading to Winnasedge's most significant career win.After a victory over 1100m at Caulfield on June 27, Winnasedge returned to the track on Saturday to claim the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m).Sent off as the heavily backed...
Cold Brew's winning streak celebrated with thunderous applause
The Richard and Will Freedman-trained gelding, Cold Brew, was met with a thunderous ovation from his extensive ownership group, who made their presence felt throughout and after the race as their charge continued his impressive form surge.Leading jockey Chad Schofield, who was aboard Cold Brew, acknowledged the vocal ownership contingent...