Hard Kick bounces back to winning ways at Caulfield
The Lindsay Park training partnership of Ben, Will, and J D Hayes had their belief in Hard Kick vindicated as the three-year-old colt rediscovered winning form at Caulfield.
Having debuted a winner down the Flemington straight in February, Hard Kick was heavily backed as an odds-on favourite for his return over the Flemington straight last month, only to finish in sixth position.
Ben Hayes acknowledged that he and his brothers were let down by that performance but opted to return Hard Kick to the jump-outs and add a tongue tie to his racing gear.
The adjustments proved highly effective, with Hard Kick leading throughout to claim victory in the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) on Saturday.
Guided by jockey Damian Lane, Hard Kick ($7) managed to hold off the challenge from Organised Crime ($26) by a short neck, with Confederation ($18) a further length behind in third. Those keeping an eye on betting markets for the race found plenty of interest with the favourite unable to secure the win.
The Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on the inaugural day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival is a key target for the Lindsay Park stable.
Hayes mentioned that the stable would readily consider returning Hard Kick to the Flemington straight and pinpointed the Group 3 Poseidon Stakes (1100m) scheduled for September 12 as a potential next engagement.
"We were very flat after his first-up run," Hayes commented.
"He got a big bump, he over-raced and everything didn't work out, so to come out, second-up and win a Group 3, to relax and do everything right, it's a big thrill.
"We wouldn't hesitate trying him back down the straight, but there are plenty of options.
"We had high expectations first-up and he just got it wrong first-up.
"Out the back he was too fresh, he sweated up when he paraded and even today, he was still on his toes, but he wasn't sweating and in a better mood.
"We took our time, took him back to the trials and made the little gear change.
"These are some of the more satisfying wins that you can have.
"We think he's got a very good future, and we can't wait for the rest of his prep."
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