Touchdown continues impressive streak with Flemington victory
The strategic acquisition by Lindsay Park of former New Zealand galloper Touchdown is proving highly successful, as the promising five-year-old gelding delivered another exceptional performance at Flemington.
This Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained gelding has extended its impressive record to five wins and three placings from just nine starts, securing a commanding victory in the Melbourne Cup Carnival On Sale (1620m).
Following an eye-catching second over 1400 metres at Sandown upon resuming, Touchdown demonstrated further progress in his second-up appearance.
Co-trainer Ben Hayes remarked, "Although he didn't win at Sandown, it was still a great run. We had to go back from the draw on a heavy track first-up and he was super through the line. He really came through it well. This time he had to do a bit more work than we thought but it was an easy watch in the end and he was strong through the line and there were nice spacings back to second and third."
Starting as the firm $1.95 favourite, Touchdown crossed the line two lengths ahead of Danny O'Brien's Fahrr Flung ($12), with Kaleo ($5.50) securing third place another 2ΒΌ lengths behind.
Hayes is of the opinion that the lightly raced import has substantial untapped potential as the stable progressively increases the challenge.
"I think there is a lot more to come and he is an exciting horse going forward," Hayes elaborated. "It is always good when they run well at this place and there are a lot of nice races to win. We're not going to get too carried away with him yet and we'll go through the grades with him but he may end up in a nice race in the spring."
The win also marked a significant occasion for jockey Blake Shinn, who registered his second winner of the day during his comeback meeting after a prolonged absence due to injury.
Shinn believes Touchdown possesses the inherent qualities to develop into an even more formidable competitor as he steps up in distance.
"He's a raw talent, I feel and he's not the furnished product," Shinn stated. "I love that he's got a great length of stride and I think he'll get better as he gets further."
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