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."
Consider checking out online bookmakers for the upcoming racing action.
More Racing News
71 horses remain in contention for Melbourne Cup glory
The Melbourne Cup aspirations for 71 horses are still very much alive following the announcement of first acceptances.Out of the 71 horses remaining in the running, 13 are international entries for the Flemington 3200m feature race scheduled for November 3.Last year's victor and the current topweight, Half Yours, remains a...
Sir Delius on track for Flemington feature
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable may not boast the same volume of contenders as larger stables for the upcoming Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.However, Waterhouse expressed confidence, stating, "you only need one to fire" to make a significant impact.The stable is likely to pin its hopes on Sir Delius...
Epsom Handicap draw results in steady market
The barrier draw for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap has concluded, and the market remains largely stable, promising an exciting Trans-Tasman showdown.Autumn Boy continues to lead the field at $3.50 for the prestigious 1600m event at Royal Randwick, having secured the coveted barrier one. Following closely is the undefeated New...
Flemington beckons again for Melbourne Cup hero Knight's Choice
Knight's Choice is set to grace Flemington once more this weekend, returning to the scene of his most significant triumph nearly two years ago.The unexpected winner of the 2024 Melbourne Cup will continue his path toward Australia's most prestigious race in Saturday's $300,000 Group 2 The Bart Cummings (2520m).Following his...
Hinton to take over as Racing NSW CEO from V'landys
Peter V’landys will be succeeded as Racing NSW chief executive by Graeme Hinton, with the board giving their full endorsement to the seasoned administrator for the top position.Hinton has been filling the role of Acting CEO since July and is slated to formally step into the role on December 1st....
Half Yours faces crucial Turnbull Stakes test
Tony McEvoy is looking to the Turnbull Stakes to provide definitive answers about his stable star, Half Yours.The trainer wants to see the horse, a winner of last year's Cups double, confirm his status as a genuine Cox Plate contender this Saturday at Flemington.Sir Delius, Birdman, and Aeliana, currently leading...
Autumn Boy set for Sydney return by Epsom Day
While Autumn Boy commenced the week in Melbourne, trainer Chris Waller anticipates the multiple Group 1 victor will be present in Sydney on Saturday for the running of the Epsom Handicap at Randwick.The celebrated trainer confirmed at the weekend that the historic mile, a Group 1 event carrying a $1.5...
Guest House's Everest aspirations remain with Price
Trainer Mick Price remains committed to the ambition of having his colt Guest House participate in The Everest, notwithstanding the horse's recent performance in the Golden Rose.The winner of this year's Golden Slipper finished outside the placings for the first time in his racing career, securing sixth position and trailing...
Yeomans' dream win with Changing Colours in Stocks Stakes
The Caulfield Sunday meeting saw dominance from established stables like Maher and Waller, but the most meaningful victory belonged to Lucy Yeomans with Changing Colours in the Group 2 Stocks Stakes.Achieving a Group 2 success with her own name attached was a profound moment for Yeomans, a stark contrast to...
Diameter and Somethings Burnin' go head-to-head in Stutt Stakes
Chris Waller's potential Caulfield Guineas contenders, colts Diameter and Somethings Burnin', battled for supremacy in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes at Caulfield on Sunday.Champion jockey James McDonald piloted Diameter through a tight passage in the closing stages to snatch a narrow victory over his stablemate.The son of Brazen Beau edged...