Promising filly Madiyya has continued her impressive winning streak, notching up her third consecutive victory at Caulfield on Saturday and setting up an exciting spring campaign for the Lindsay Park team.
The daughter of Super Seth, trained by Ben, Will & JD Hayes, displayed her class in the Rod Griffiths Handicap (1600m) at benchmark 78 level, rallying from the back to score narrowly as the $1.75 favourite. Ridden by Luke Currie, she held off I Only Wish ($10) by a short neck, with Belcony ($21) finishing third, 1-3/4 lengths away.
A half-sister to Zayydani, winner of the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m), Madiyya carries strong pedigree and has now solidified her reputation as one to watch.
“We know the family very well, and she’s very well bred,” said Ben Hayes. “Maybe next prep (we’ll get to 2000m), but she is a physically not very big horse.”
Hayes confirmed she’ll be spelled ahead of the spring: “She’s picked up great prize money. She’s gone through the grades, and she’ll have a well-deserved break now.”
Luke Currie, who partnered her to victory over 1400m three weeks ago, was once again in the saddle and praised her versatility and composure. “We just came back, happy to just stay three wide off a soft tempo and be able to get into the race,” he said.
“Last time she was quite brilliant, today it was more tradesman-like… She’s definitely going the right way.”