Cloudbreaker may not be in the top echelon of two-year-olds within the Lindsay Park stable but she does possess an attribute trainers love – a will to win that was on display at Sandown.
Lindsay Park raised the bar to city class on Wednesday in the Ladbrokes Plate (1300m) after the filly broke her maiden status when successful at Pakenham last month.
The stable will now contemplate a further class rise by looking at upcoming stakes races for the filly.
Options for Cloudbreaker include the Group Three Thoroughbred Breeders Plate (1200m) or the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), both at Flemington, and both on March 7.
Ridden by Dwayne Dunn, Cloudbreaker ($5) scored a three-quarter length win from Cafe Rizu ($31) with Miss Inbetween ($18) a nose away third.
Co-trainer Ben Hayes, who trains in partnership with his father David and cousin Tom Dabernig, said the stable had originally picked out a 1400m race at Sandown next week for Cloudbreaker before settling on Wednesday’s race over a slighter shorter distance.
“We were going to run her on the 19th (February) but she had done so well that we decided to come to this race,” Hayes said.
“It was a good decision as she is now a city winner.
“We’ve got the luxury now of throwing her in the deep end in something like the Thoroughbred Breeders or the Sires’ Produce.
“On the corner she hit a flat spot but she picked up and I thought the strongest part of her race was the end.
“I think the way she won today stepping up to 1400 (metres) won’t be an issue.”
Lindsay Park collected an early double when By A Whisker won the Clanbrooke Racing Plate (1300m).
By A Whisker is the younger brother of 2017 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Catchy, but to date he has yet to show that filly’s ability.
“Dad has always liked him and we had hoped he would be as good Catchy, but he’s just taking his time,” Hayes said.
“We won’t rush him and just take him through his grades for now and see where he gets to.”
By A Whisker’s victory under Craig Williams was not as decisive as his stablemate’s, scoring by a neck from the Damien Oliver-ridden Emerald Crown.
