Ben, Will and JD Hayes secured a memorable quinella in last year’s inaugural running of The Supernova, and the Lindsay Park trio return this year intent on claiming the race again.
In 2024, Here To Shock defeated Arkansaw Kid in the $1 million 1400m feature at Pakenham, delivering a stable one–two finish.
This year their hopes rest with Roll On High, who finished fifth in last year’s race when trained by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman.
Ben Hayes said the stable is eager to defend their title, though they acknowledge that this field includes stern opposition from Joe Pride’s star sprinter Private Eye.
“We’re excited,” Hayes said.
“It’s not often you get to have three horses in a big race like this, especially a $1 million race like The Supernova and I think they are three genuine chances.
“We’ve clashed with Private Eye plenty of times and he’s beaten us, but we’re in form and previously he was the fitter horse.”
After winning last year’s Supernova, Here To Shock travelled to New Zealand and claimed a Group 1 victory but returned home winless until his 1400m Caulfield triumph on November 29.
“His win the other day was as good as any he has produced,” Hayes said.
“Mark (Zahra) gave him a peach, he was strong through the line, and it was exactly what he needed leading into this.”
Arkansaw Kid comes into Saturday’s edition off a gallant second to Jigsaw in The Meteorite (1200m) at Cranbourne.
The gelding had been freshened after finishing tenth in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m).
“He ran into a horse in flying form and was outsprinted late,” Hayes said.
“We were a touch fresh going in and he peaked on his run, but it was still a great effort. The rise to 1400m will suit and he ran well in this race last year.”
Roll On High has settled into Lindsay Park with steady improvement, posting a Flemington second during Cup week and a fourth at Caulfield over 1600m before winning a Bendigo trial on December 1.
“She was excellent over Cup week and just got found out at the mile next start,” Hayes said.
“Back to 1400m, rock hard fit, and a touch unlucky in the race last year — she’s a strong top-four contender.”
Those wishing to bet on The Supernova can compare bookmaker odds at Australia’s top betting sites.