Debut win for Marffiano in Bendigo's VOBIS Gold Rush
On Saturday, Lindsay Park extended their control over Bendigo's Golden Mile richest race as the Hayes brothers fielded the talented Marffiano to capture the VOBIS Gold Rush.
Marffiano, half-brother to Tycoon Star, sealed a Lindsay Park one-two by overcoming Resonant in the $250,000 two-year-old feature, which also includes $30,000 VOBIS bonuses.
Ben, Will and JD Hayes notched their third straight VOBIS Gold Rush triumph, succeeding Killiana from last year and Bold Bastille's victory in 2024.
A $475,000 purchase from last year's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Marffiano is by rising star sire Home Affairs, and Ben Hayes was excited to see the colt prove his potential at his first start.
"Just before the race we were saying how he's quite a laid-back customer – a bit like his older brother, he can be a bit lazy in trackwork sometimes as well – hence the winkers were on," Hayes said.
"He'll come out one morning and do his work well and then, next time, it'll feel like you'd never taught him do anything and he'll get it all completely wrong.
So, the owners have been through ups and downs through the whole preparation but to come out and win a big VOBIS race like this is just a big thrill and well done to the whole team."
Notwithstanding pre-race doubts from Hayes, the $9 chance Marffiano was model-like at Bendigo, benefiting from a clean break and trailing the frontrunners before seizing the front 150m from the finish and repelling Resonant ($19) by half a length.
The leader Running Rich ($11) kept plugging away to fill third place, 1-1/4 lengths further behind.
Jockey Declan Bates guided Marffiano on debut and appreciated the colt's demeanor.
"He made my life pretty easy, to be honest," Bates said.
"He was a real, gentleman. He done everything right – he began nice, the speed was nice, we were able to just camp off it and I just liked that the further we went in the race, the better he went underneath me."
In spite of the polished debut, Hayes noted that he and his brothers would probably hold off on further runs with Marffiano, choosing to rest him ahead of spring's three-year-old sprint riches.
Find the leading online bookmakers offering competitive betting markets for the race like the VOBIS Gold Rush.
More Racing News
Regal Zeus set for Eye Liner Stakes as McArdle eyes Group 1 targets
Mornington-based trainer John McArdle is already charting a course for a Group 1 campaign early in the season, with Queensland playing a key role in his plans.The gelding Regal Zeus is heading to Ipswich for the Listed Eye Liner Stakes (1350m) on Saturday, which is slated as the initial of...
The Western Front seeks more staying honours
The Lindsay Park training operation, managed by Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, is anticipating a fruitful outcome with their in-form stayer at Flemington.The Western Front is slated to compete in a 2500m handicap this Saturday, aiming to build on his consistent recent performances.This galloper, originally from New Zealand, was...
Pride's Poison Chalice eyes Civic Stakes success
Joseph Pride, a trainer known for elevating tried horses, is now guiding the talented gelding Poison Chalice.The six-year-old Savabeel progeny was formerly trained by Paul Preusker in Horsham, with his last run being a tenth-place finish in the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m).While Poison Chalice has not yet won beyond benchmark...
Caulfield Cup prize money boosted for historic 150th running
A substantial increase in prize money has been announced for the Caulfield Cup, perfectly timed for the historic 150th running of this iconic Australian thoroughbred race.The renowned 2400m handicap event, set to take place on October 17, will now feature a total prize pool of $6 million. A key feature...
De Bergerac's final preparation ahead of Santa Ana Lane Series
With a place already secured in next month's Santa Ana Lane Series Final, De Bergerac will have its final tune-up in this Saturday's qualifier for the Listed event.The Grahame Begg-trained five-year-old, a gelding, is set to contest the $150,000 open handicap over 1100 metres at Flemington.This race represents the last...
Asfoora set for Royal Ascot return with blinkers on
The pinnacle event, Grand Final Day, is fast approaching for Asfoora, and her trainer Henry Dwyer is anticipating an enhanced performance from his globe-trotting mare in the King Charles III Stakes on the first day at Royal Ascot.The seven-year-old daughter of Flying Artie, who triumphed in the 1005-metre Group 1...
Skyhook proves mile credentials in Gunsynd Classic success
Skyhook has successfully demonstrated his aptitude for the mile distance with a dominant performance in the Gunsynd Classic, now firmly establishing himself as a contender for the prestigious Golden Eagle in the spring.Co-trainer Sterling Alexiou confirmed that the promising three-year-old colt would be sent for a spell following his impressive...
Remedial trial work for See That Storm after debut setback
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr's stable has opted for remedial trial work for former European import See That Storm following a disappointing debut performance in Australia.The gelding finished at the tail of the field on his Australian debut at Caulfield on May 30, crossing the line more than 10...
Royal Supremacy dictates terms to win The Q22
In a performance reminiscent of Pride Of Jenni, the Ciaron Maher-trained Royal Supremacy dictated the pace from the outset to secure victory in The Q22 at Eagle Farm.Following the late withdrawal of Pride Of Jenni due to the Heavy 9 track, Royal Supremacy assumed the lead in the Group 2...
McDonald Triumphs in JJ Atkins Stakes, Sets New Group 1 Record
A champion indeed, Tron Bolt, under the expert handling of James McDonald, clinched victory in the prestigious Group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm. In doing so, McDonald etched his name in the record books, surpassing Malcolm Johnston's long-standing mark for group one wins in a single Australian...