In the wake of losing a legendary juvenile from Lindsay Park’s distinguished past the day prior, the Hayes clan uncovered a young contender who could rise to become the operation’s next elite talent.
Hard Kick, gelding sired by All Too Hard, made a dazzling debut by demolishing foes in the $175,000 Listed Talindert Stakes (1100m), the curtain-raiser for Saturday’s Black Caviar Lightning at Flemington.
The result landed scarcely 24 hours after champion filly Miss Finland’s death aged 22, and J D Hayes noted that while Hard Kick trails the accomplishments of the 2006 Golden Slipper winner, he was ecstatic seeing the newcomer validate the stable’s confidence.
“What a thrill, he’s been very well-educated at home and we thought he was pretty good and he won with authority there,” Hayes, who trains in partnership with brothers Ben and Will, said.
“We’re not sure he’s as good as Miss Finland, but he looked pretty good there.”
Among Miss Finland’s five Group 1 conquests was the Slipper, alongside triumphs in the Australian Guineas, Thousand Guineas, VRC Oaks and Storm Queen Stakes for trainer David Hayes.
The $3 favourite, sourced for $30,000 as an Adelaide Magic Millions yearling and later traded for $140,000 at Inglis Ready2Race Sale last year, Hard Kick seized the lead with brisk speed and drew away decisively by 2-3/4 lengths from Zambales in 1:03.90.
Diameter ($13) trailed by another 1-3/4 lengths for third.
Rider Damian Lane, familiar with the colt from preparatory gallops, lavished praise and indicated a potential upgrade in his estimation.
“I thought before today that he was a good horse, but just off the better ones, but off the back of that, he might be right up there,” Lane said.
Hard Kick is eyed for a shot at emulating Miss Finland’s close call in next week’s Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes, with JD Hayes keeping doors ajar.
A $55,000 fee applies for late entry to the $2 million prize as original nominations bypassed him.
“We’ll keep the option open next week as he did win with head on his chest there, but there’s plenty of options going ahead with this horse. It’s very exciting,” Hayes said.
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