The Lindsay Park outfit run by Ben, Will and J D Hayes has salvaged a welcome victory with Oak Hill shining at Caulfield.
The sprinter prevailed in the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) on Saturday, ending the stable’s metro drought that began after Vivacissimo and Crocodile’s Sandown double on January 21.
Lindsay Park navigated a rough January, battling racing misfortunes alongside bushfires that swept through Victoria, incinerating key parts of their property and necessitating horse movements.
J D Hayes highlighted Oak Hill’s success as especially welcome given the issues plaguing their Creighton’s Creek headquarters.
Ridden by Damian Lane, the $4.60 chance Oak Hill held on by a long head from $9 shot Don’t Hope Do, as $2.70 top pick Hedged ran on for third, another 1-¼ lengths back.
“We are definitely happy to put January behind us and that was a terrific effort,” Hayes said.
“I thought he put the writing on the wall last start with his return run. We’ve taken all the gear off his head and he’s just starting to really learn his craft.
“He’s a late learner and a horse that we inherited from the late, great, Mike Moroney and he is getting better each preparation.
“And it’s great to get Damian Lane back on board. He won quite a few races on him and it’s always good to get a winner for Rupert Legh in those colours.”
According to Hayes, Oak Hill might now tackle the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) handicap at Caulfield February 21.
Lane has piloted Oak Hill to five from eight career wins, showing his strong synergy with the gelding.
Lane anticipates the gelding would thrive in the Oakleigh Plate’s rough and tumble if selected by the Hayes brothers.
“He’s always had the talent and you can put him a touch closer and he’s got the turn-of-foot still,” Lane said.
“He’d handle it (Oakleigh Plate) well. He’s got that experience now in short course racing, hustle and bustle, and now that he’s more mature in the mind that’ll help him, and it will set up well.”
Heading into feature clashes like the Oakleigh Plate, punters have plenty to consider among the betting markets for the race.
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