With Blake Shinn sidelined by suspension, Lindsay Park has secured big-race rider Mark Zahra to partner Oak Hill in the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley.

The race may not carry the prestige of a Melbourne Cup or Caulfield Cup, but it remains a valuable addition to the CV. Zahra has not won the Carlyon since it became Black Type in 2011, while Lindsay Park’s only success came with Faatinah in 2018.

Oak Hill has been in strong form since joining Ben, Will and JD Hayes, winning both starts this campaign, including a convincing benchmark 100 victory over Saturday’s course and distance on August 9. Previously trained by Mike Moroney and Glen Thompson, the gelding is chasing a fifth Moonee Valley win from six attempts and a maiden Stakes triumph.

Ben Hayes said Oak Hill had trained on well since his return and hinted at bigger targets ahead.
“I think it’s a nice race to target and if we’re really happy with him then we’ll head towards the Moir Stakes (1000m),” Hayes said.