Going in, the 1200m of Saturday’s Listed Redoutes Choice Stakes (1200m) was a query for Lindsay Park filly Gin Twist and while she may not have fully answered it, connections won’t be too bothered.
Already a winner of the Listed Festival Stakes (1000m) at Flemington, the Home Affairs filly had struggled in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m) on heavy ground last start but got everything in her favour on Saturday.
Key market danger Drumfire was scratched after becoming fractious in the gates and Luke Currie allowed subsequent $2.90 favourite Gin Twist to lead the field of five very comfortably, having enough in reserve to hold off debutant Oak Lightning ($8) by half a neck with a length back to Buggsy ($3) in third.
Will Hayes, who trains in partnership with brothers Ben & JD, said it was a pleasing result and justification to extend her campaign with Gin Twist lining up for her fifth career start.
“It was a real professional effort,” Hayes said.
“Credit to the team, we got her back to the farm to see how she did between runs and she gave us the inclination to come today and she franked that decision.
“Luke Currie summed up the race very well, he was very open minded how the race shape could look, being a small field, just to see her relax in front in the early stages, her ears were flicking at the top of the straight, we knew she’d have a bit of kick left at the top of the straight.”
Hayes indicated Gin Twist would likely now head to the paddock having banked $256,000 and two listed wins across her first campaign that begun back in January.
“She’s put in a great prep,” Hayes said.
“Most likely (she’ll spell), but as always, we’ll see how she pulls up and make the decision as a team on Monday, winning 1200 (metres) here today is another string to her bow.
“She’s very honest, very professional and she gets the most out of herself.”
