The transition to Lindsay Park has continued to pay dividends for former Mike Moroney-trained gallopers, with Oak Hill making a winning return at Moonee Valley to open his spring campaign towards the Moir Stakes.
Sent out a $2.70 favourite, Oak Hill was given a patient ride by Blake Shinn before unleashing a strong finishing burst to reel in Midwest ($5) and score by a length and a half. Boston Rocks ($5) was another head away in third in the Ladbrokes Top 2/3/4 Betting Handicap (1000m).
Co-trainer Ben Hayes revealed the gelding will next line up in the Listed Carlyon Stakes over the same track and trip in two weeks, before a tilt at the Group 1 Moir Stakes on September 6.
“We’ve been lucky he arrived in such great shape, and today he showed what he can do,” Hayes said. “He relaxed perfectly with a strong tempo, which is a big step forward from when he used to overrace early in his career. He’s learning, and that makes him a much more dangerous horse.”
Oak Hill is currently an $11 chance for the Moir Stakes, with Niance at the top of betting at $4. His Moonee Valley record now stands at four wins and a placing from five attempts.
Mornington Glory, last year’s Moir Stakes winner, finished last of the field in his first run back from a spell.
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