Heading into Saturday’s Listed Redoutes Choice Stakes (1200m), there were doubts about the 1200m trip for Lindsay Park filly Gin Twist, and although she might not have completely dispelled them, her team isn’t overly concerned.
The Home Affairs filly, who had previously triumphed in the Listed Festival Stakes (1000m) at Flemington, had a tough time in her last outing in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m) on heavy track conditions, but conditions suited her perfectly on Saturday.
The main rival in betting, Drumfire, was withdrawn after playing up in the barriers, and jockey Luke Currie let the eventual $2.90 favourite Gin Twist take control up front with ease in the small field of five, keeping plenty handy to fend off newcomer Oak Lightning ($8) by a half-neck, with Buggsy ($3) one length away in third spot.
Trainer Will Hayes, who partners with brothers Ben and JD, described the outcome as satisfying and a reason to keep Gin Twist in work for her fifth race overall.
“It was a real professional effort,” Hayes said.
“Credit to the team, we got her back to the farm to see how she did between runs and she gave us the inclination to come today and she franked that decision.
“Luke Currie summed up the race very well, he was very open minded how the race shape could look, being a small field, just to see her relax in front in the early stages, her ears were flicking at the top of the straight, we knew she’d have a bit of kick left at the top of the straight.”
Hayes suggested that Gin Twist is now probably bound for a spell after earning $256,000 and securing two listed successes in her debut preparation that kicked off in January.
“She’s put in a great prep,” Hayes said.
“Most likely (she’ll spell), but as always, we’ll see how she pulls up and make the decision as a team on Monday, winning 1200 (metres) here today is another string to her bow.
“She’s very honest, very professional and she gets the most out of herself.”
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