The Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and J D Hayes is banking on a drop back in distance proving beneficial for Killiana at Bendigo.
Finding the 1200m a shade far when favourite in the VOBIS Showdown at Caulfield on March 15, Killiana is back to 1100m on Saturday when she contests the VOBIS Gold Rush.
The Lindsay Park team collected the corresponding race last year with Bold Bastille who was sent out the $1.18 favourite before scoring by two-and-half-lengths.
Ben Hayes said he hopes Killiana can replicate Bold Bastille’s performance, although he conceded the outside barrier in the 10-horse field was a little bit concerning.
Bold Bastille had the runs on the board leading into the VOBIS Gold Rush, having defeated Blue Diamond Stakes winner Hayasugi on debut at Moonee Valley in October 2023 along with Listed race wins at Flemington and Caulfield prior to Bendigo.
Killiana is the $2.20 favourite in early betting.
The filly has raced on only the two occasions, registering a debut win over 1000m at Bendigo, leading throughout before winning by four-and-a-quarter lengths, then her last start fourth in the $1 million VOBIS Showdown.
With the four-week gap between runs, Lindsay Park sent the filly for a jump-out at Flemington which she won on April 4.
“She has trialled up since her last start and has gone extremely well,” Hayes said.
“I think stepping back 100 metres to the 1100 metres will be suitable and she has done really well in the stable.
“She had only won a maiden, and it was her second start running in The Showdown and I thought she ran well, but she just peaked on her run at the 1200 metres and she’s possibly a sharper horse, a bit like Bold Bastille was.
“I think the step back to 1100 metres, you will see a completely different horse, especially with the extra experience.”
