The Lindsay Park trio of Ben, Will and J D Hayes acknowledge that Saturday’s Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley will be a serious challenge for Oak Hill, but they remain optimistic the sprinter can bounce back to form.

A first-up winner over the same 1000m course last month, Oak Hill returns to The Valley after finishing a disappointing fifth of seven as favourite in the Listed Carlyon Stakes at his latest appearance. Ben Hayes said the stable has since adjusted the horse’s preparation to ensure he is not too fresh for this tougher test.

“We trusted him into the race, keeping him fresh, and he raced fresh,” Hayes said. “This time, we’ve changed our training a little bit into this race. He’s been working well at home, he’s been super relaxed.”

Hayes believes Oak Hill’s last run was a valuable learning experience. “I think with that last run, and a gallop on Monday, you will see a totally different horse,” he said.

Mark Zahra rode the horse last start, but Hayes was pleased to have Blake Shinn regain the ride, having guided Oak Hill to his first two wins for the stable. The wide barrier draw of 11 in the 14-horse field was also seen as a positive.

“I think the wide draw is good for him,” Hayes said. “There is good speed in the race. He’ll hopefully get in that three-wide line with a bit of cover. Last start, he missed the start a bit, ran up bums and was a little bit aggressive, plus he’s a momentum horse. He was building up momentum and then he got held up and had to go again. When horses over-race early, then they get their momentum stopped, it’s very hard for them to go again.”

Despite the depth of the field, Hayes remains upbeat: “It’s a hard race, but if he gets the right run, I think he will be in the finish.”

Punters looking to back Oak Hill in the Group 1 Moir Stakes can find markets and betting options at Australia’s leading betting sites.