The Lindsay Park team continues to search for fine margins, and a small gear tweak may have played a role in Tycoon Star’s Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) win at Caulfield.
Ridden positively by Michael Dee, Tycoon Star ($4.80) sat on the speed and pulled away late to score by 1-¾ lengths over McGaw ($6), with Jimmy Recard ($4) finishing third.
The colt rebounded from his first-up second in the Group 3 Vain Stakes, with co-trainer Ben Hayes crediting race fitness more than the switch to visors.
“The visors helped, but personally I think it was fitness,” Hayes said.
Attention now turns to the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington, a key stallion-making race during the spring.
“He looks sharp and he’s already a winner down the straight,” Hayes said.
Dee said his decision to ride forward proved decisive, adding: “He gave a good kick and that was the winning kick at the top of the straight.”