The Ben, Will and J D Hayes-operated Lindsay Park stable has notched a much-needed victory courtesy of Oak Hill’s performance at Caulfield.
Oak Hill’s achievement in the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) last Saturday represented the stable’s initial city triumph since Vivacissimo and Crocodile delivered a brace at Sandown back on January 21.
The Lindsay Park operation experienced a difficult January, facing challenges both in competition and from the bushfires that ravaged Victoria, scorching a substantial area of the Lindsay Park land and forcing the relocation of several horses.
J D Hayes commented that the success of Oak Hill came at an opportune moment amid the troubles at their Creighton’s Creek training facility.
With Damian Lane in the saddle, Oak Hill ($4.60) prevailed by a long head ahead of Don’t Hope Do ($9), while the $2.70 market leader Hedged finished third, beaten by an additional 1-ΒΌ lengths.
“We are definitely happy to put January behind us and that was a terrific effort,” Hayes said.
“I thought he put the writing on the wall last start with his return run. We’ve taken all the gear off his head and he’s just starting to really learn his craft.
“He’s a late learner and a horse that we inherited from the late, great, Mike Moroney and he is getting better each preparation.
“And it’s great to get Damian Lane back on board. He won quite a few races on him and it’s always good to get a winner for Rupert Legh in those colours.”
Hayes mentioned that the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 21 as a handicap race is now under consideration for Oak Hill.
Lane shares a solid rapport with Oak Hill, having guided the gelding to victory in five out of his eight successes.
He expressed confidence that the gelding could manage the demands of the Oakleigh Plate if the Hayes brothers opt for that direction.
“He’s always had the talent and you can put him a touch closer and he’s got the turn-of-foot still,” Lane said.
“He’d handle it (Oakleigh Plate) well. He’s got that experience now in short course racing, hustle and bustle, and now that he’s more mature in the mind that’ll help him, and it will set up well.”
Those eyeing bets on races like the Oakleigh Plate should explore the top Australian betting sites for the best options.
The post Oak Hill lands timely Lindsay Park win first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
