Jockey Jye McNeil suggested that Stakes’ primary challenge is his own temperament, despite the horse’s victory in The Valley @ Caulfield Handicap (1200m) at Caulfield Heath.
Having debuted successfully at Bendigo last month, Stakes clinched The Valley @ Caulfield Handicap (1200m) on Saturday, marking his second win from three starts.
With blinkers fitted for the first time, Stakes ($4.40) edged out the $3.70 favourite Commit by a short head, while Put To The Sword ($14) secured third place a long neck behind.
Prior to his Saturday triumph, Stakes had finished third over 1100m at Caulfield on July 25, between his maiden win and his most recent performance.
“I think they made all the difference,” McNeil stated concerning the blinkers.
“The other day he didn’t participate in the race in the early stages and that put him out of contention.
“Today, he jumped a lot better with the blinkers on, plus we were up 100 metres in distance. We had cover for the first part and then we were stuck in a position three-wide outside the speed.
“He’s still so backward. He lays on the other horses, he was wayward in the straight and I had to go back to hands and heels in the straight to get the best out of him.
“The finished product is probably still a prep away, but he’s got the ability there.”
The Lindsay Park stable, operated by Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, trains Stakes.
J D Hayes commented that the win was a hard-fought effort.
“He’s a horse that has always improved,” Hayes said.
“He had the ultimate gear change as a younger horse and was always one that was going to develop into a lovely three-year-old type.
“Having that fitness under his belt, that told late and it came to the fore there late.”
Hayes indicated that the stable would monitor Stakes’ recovery before determining his next race destination.
“That had a bit more credit to it as he was exposed from a long way out and he’s still not doing things 100 per cent,” Hayes commented.
“He’s a horse with a fair bit of improvement and I’m looking forward to seeing how he pulls up.”
Betting markets for the race are sure to be competitive on horses showing such promise.
