The Lindsay Park training trio of Ben, Will, and J D Hayes added to their impressive tally of two-year-old winners this season as Hello Romeo delivered a gritty win at Sandown on Saturday.
Taking out the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap (1000m), Hello Romeo gave the stable its 25th juvenile victory for the season—highlighting the strength of its emerging talent.
“It is always a good sign, the youth coming through with good strength,” Will Hayes said.
“It gives us a lot to look forward to in coming seasons.”
With Daniel Stackhouse in the saddle, Hello Romeo ($5) dug deep to deny first-starter Street Legal ($7) by a short neck, while Tallingas Immortal ($21) was a further 1-¾ lengths back in third place.
The performance was particularly impressive given Hello Romeo was first-up from a spell, returning from a New Zealand campaign where he competed in the Karaka Million and was subsequently gelded.
“He’s an absolute professional mentally,” Hayes said.
“The international trip to New Zealand, he coped with it really well as a colt, but between that prep and this prep he’s had the ultimate gear change.”
Now eligible for the Next Generation Sprinters Series Final (1200m) at Flemington on July 5, Hello Romeo could be set for even bigger targets ahead.
“He’s up, he’s sound and he’s firing, and I said while the sun’s shining, make hay,” Hayes said.
“He’s come back in good order as a gelding, so hopefully he’s got a long, successful prep ahead.
“He’s got a nice balance of professionalism and talent, it’s going to take him a long way.
“He’s gelding now, so we’ll place him in every race where we think he can win and make as much money for the owners, so benchmark rating points and prize money is our goal.”
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