Ben Hayes, co-trainer at Lindsay Park, has singled out blinkers as the key factor in Plymouth’s comeback win at Caulfield.
Trained by Ben, Will and J D Hayes, the galloper earned his maiden victory since the September Benalla Cup by dominating the Lamaro’s After The Last Handicap (2000m) this Saturday.
Plymouth ($7.50), piloted by Jamie Mott, prevailed by three-quarters of a length against Howlin’ Rain ($13), as Brayden Star ($51) was half a length adrift in third.
Hayes revealed the Lindsay Park stable had bided their time before reapplying blinkers to Plymouth, who had been equipped with winkers previously.
Post his 12th in April’s Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield, Plymouth took third in a benchmark 1000 race with the same parameters as Saturday.
“We just felt last start at Flemington that he probably hit the front early and peaked on his run.” Hayes said.
“He had been relaxing so well all prep after we had been wanting him to relax, that we had put the blinkers on him.
“Back in trip, the blinkers went on today and it was a ten-out-of-ten ride from Jamie.
“He had been running really well, and it was well-deserved.”
Hayes indicated they aimed to have Plymouth close to the pace to boost his morale from Saturday’s performance.
Prior to the race, the Lindsay Park trainers’ main uncertainty was Plymouth’s suitability for Soft 7 going.
“After today I think we’ll keep him to 2000 (metres) and with the blinkers on, he definitely got the couple of lengths that he needed,” Hayes said.
“He’s lightly exposed on wet tracks, and that was a question mark, the Soft 7. I thought he did a good job handling that, so it’s all very good going into winter.”
Hayes and his brothers will convene to decide on forthcoming targets.
Brisbane in the north is among the possibilities.
“I was thinking about that, but I’ll need to talk to my brothers, or we could stay here and win another one of these types of races,” Hayes said.
“But I know the owners don’t mind a trip.”
Visit leading betting sites to find racing odds for handicaps akin to the Lamaro’s After The Last.