Lindsay Park youngsters Dom and Ndola out to show spring potential at Caulfield

A pair of impressive debut winners from the Hayes stable can stamp their spring credentials at Caulfield on Saturday.

Dom was a dominant winner on debut at Geelong. Picture: Reg Ryan/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Youngsters Dom and Ndola could stamp spring credentials at Caulfield on Saturday.

Dom, a five-length debut winner, is favourite for the VOBIS Gold Ingot (1400m) while Ndola, who saluted by 2½ lengths at his first start, is fancied in the 1200m 2YO Handicap.

Co-trainer Will Hayes said Dom has “given us every indication” he should handle the step up in class from a Geelong maiden to Saturday grade.

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Dom enjoyed a cushy run last start, able to dictate from the front with champion jockey Blake Shinn aboard, and sprint away from the pack late.

“He was very impressive on debut,” Hayes said.

“Two weeks between the debut and nice step up to the VOBIS race looks suitable.

“We just took our time with him, we didn’t want to push him early and we’re reaping the benefits now.

“Our benchmark (spring consideration) will come after Saturday, that’s when we’ll know whether he’s ready or if he needs a bit more time.”

Dom wins impressively 😯

The gelded son of Pierro could be very smart 📝@lindsayparkrace@blake_shinnpic.twitter.com/LOyamixVz7

— Racing.com (@Racing) July 12, 2024

Dom is a $2.10 favourite with TAB from I Am Velvet ($2.60) and Kalimna Views ($5).

Hayes said Ndola has also progressed since a dominant Pakenham Synthetic debut win.

Ndola, a Justify colt out of former Lindsay Park sprinter Hear The Chant, travelled strongly to win a tick-over jumpout on the synthetic at Flemington last week.

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“He’s a lovely big horse and one that will definitely be better with time,” Hayes said.

“A bit of space between runs, but he had a nice jumpout Friday, came through it well, he’s bucking his brands off, so he’s ready to go.

“He does go from Pakenham synthetic to Caulfield, which is a nice step up in class, be we do have a nice opinion of him.”

Ndola, bred by long-time Lindsay Park clients Peter Devitt and Les Gordon, who raced Hear The Chant and dam sire Nicconi, has been effective in trials and work on wet tracks.

“She was a nice filly (Hear The Chant) … very fast and he’s (Ndola) by the right stallion as well, by Justify, hopefully he can be the lottery horse.”

Ndola was also impressive winning on debut. Picture: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Ndola is rated a $9 chance to win Race 2 from Comanche Miss ($4), Aldolfito ($6), Waiting For Time ($7.50) and Berezka ($8.50).

Lindsay Park scratched Tijuana from Caulfield to run in Sydney instead, having placed in the Harbour City last start.

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“He’s starting to find his form again … his last run in Sydney was terrific, he got beaten by a well found horse in the market that’s got very good form,” Hayes said.

Hayes on July 31 will complete his first season in partnership with brothers Ben and JD.

“Blink and you miss it! It’s been really good, I’m very fortunate to step into a partnership with my brothers who had been doing terrific year-on-year,” Hayes said.

“We’ve got a great team around us, I know our names are on the ticket, but in house not a lot has changed, it’s exciting and hopefully we can keep improving year-on-year.”

Originally published as Lindsay Park youngsters Dom and Ndola out to show spring potential at Caulfield