After a few recent runner-up finishes, Ocean Deep has broken through for another win at Caulfield.
After winning a midweeker at Caulfield earlier this campaign in December, the four-year-old had notched three seconds from her past five outings, including her past two starts, but wasn’t going to be denied again in Saturday’s $125,000 Keno Fun Money Handicap (1400m).
With apprentice Michael Poy aboard, Ocean Deep sat second behind leader Call It A Day who kicked strongly and had his rivals all chasing as the field turned into the home straight.
Ocean Deep stuck to her task and arrived just in time to grab Call It A Day while also denying the fast-finishing Renewal on her outside.
Ocean Deep ($6.50) beat Renewal by a long head with a short-half head back to Call It A Day.
“When it was a slogfest it was in her favour,” co-trainer David Hayes said.
“I’m really thrilled because it’s been frustrating with her running so many placings this preparation. But this was the biggest race she’s been in and she’s won.”
Poy is the son of former jockey Michael Clarke who enjoyed considerable success riding for the Hayes family in the 1980s and 1990s.
Poy’s first win for Lindsay Park came at Flemington on January 1 this year.
“It’s frightening for me,” Hayes said.
“I shut my eyes and I think I’m talking to Michael Clarke.”
