Caulfield Victoria Handicap targeted by Lindsay Park for third straight win
The Lindsay Park operation seeks to build on their control of the Victoria Handicap by saddling dual chances in Saturday's Group 3 at Caulfield.
Victories in the 1400m feature had dodged the stable throughout this century until Here To Shock struck in 2024, followed by Nicolini Vito's success last year.
On Saturday, Here To Shock chases a repeat victory under Ben, Will and J D Hayes, with Cafe Millennium as his stablemate.
In prior editions, Here To Shock and Nicolini Vito qualified for the Victoria Handicap at the bottom weight of 54kg, though this time Here To Shock shoulders 60kg and the No.1 cloth, as Cafe Millennium totes 58kg, the next highest.
Give Me Space was a third Lindsay Park entrant at 54kg but failed to secure a spot in the 16-horse field plus emergencies, opting for the 1400m Noel Rundle Handicap where he meets 62kg lessened by Logan Bates' 1.5kg allowance.
Here To Shock, much like Mr Brightside, is a cornerstone for Lindsay Park.
His debut stakes victory arrived via the Listed Golden Mile in Bendigo during April 2023, with the Group 3 Victoria Handicap marking his next 12 months later.
Group 3 wins in Brisbane and Sydney adorn his record, alongside a Group 1 in New Zealand last year, before a fourth-placed effort at Te Rapa in February.
Upon return, he filled second to Scheelite in the 1400m Shaftesbury Avenue Stakes at Flemington March 7, and was again runner-up in last week's Werribee jump-out.
According to J D Hayes, Here To Shock is a seasoned star maintaining top condition.
"He trialled up super and he'll run an honest race as he's so consistent," Hayes said.
While Cafe Millennium is unpredictable, he boasts serious class when right, even from draw 15 this Saturday.
His latest included a Listed win at Flemington February 14 and fifth to Scheelite there March 7.
"We scratched him from the heavy track last week," Hayes said.
"He's a good 1400-metre horse, but we would probably prefer him at Flemington."
Visit the online bookmakers to find the keenest betting markets for the race at Caulfield.
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