The Lindsay Park team, led by Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, is hoping a drop in distance will benefit Killiana at Bendigo.

After struggling at 1200m in the VOBIS Showdown at Caulfield on March 15, Killiana will race at 1100m in the VOBIS Gold Rush on Saturday.

The team won this race last year with Bold Bastille, who dominated as a $1.18 favourite, claiming victory by two-and-a-half lengths.

Ben Hayes is hopeful Killiana can replicate that success, although he admitted the outside barrier in the 10-horse field is a concern.

Bold Bastille went into last year’s VOBIS Gold Rush with solid form, including a win over Blue Diamond Stakes winner Hayasugi on debut and multiple Listed victories.

Killiana, at $2.20 in early betting, has had two starts, winning her debut over 1000m at Bendigo before finishing fourth in the $1 million VOBIS Showdown.

With a four-week break, Killiana impressed in a Flemington jump-out on April 4.

“She has trialled up since her last start and has gone extremely well,” Hayes said.

“We think the step back to 1100 metres will suit her better.”