Trainer David Hayes is eyeing another Thousand Guineas after Afleet Esprit claimed the Group Two Prelude in at Caulfield.
Hayes, who now trains in partnership with Tom Dabernig, has won the Group One Thousand Guineas with champion filly Miss Finland and Irish Lights.
Afleet Esprit – Thousand Guineas Prelude 2014
While Afleet Esprit doesn’t rate up with Miss Finland, the trainer is convinced she is on a par with Irish Lights and can be a big player in this year’s Thousand Guineas.
In a race in which favourite Bring Me the Maid was well-beaten, Afleet Esprit ($6.50) settled in the box seat for jockey Damien Oliver before sprinting to the front inside the final 200m when a split came.
She defeated Amicus ($17) by half a length with the same margin to Group One winner Go Indy Go ($26) who flashed home from last in a greatly improved showing on her first-up failure.
Hayes believes Afleet Esprit is showing the right signs to be a force over 1600m in the Group One Thousand Guineas after winning her third start in a row.
“She’s a filly I think will actually run a very good mile,” Hayes said.
“I know she’s by Bel Esprit and sometimes they are more noted for sprinting, but she’s got such a relaxed demeanour and can run such fast sectionals.”
Luke Nolen was at a loss to explain the performance of $2.50 favourite Bring Me the Maid, who was well beaten in seventh.
“Hopefully a vet can reveal a bit more,” Nolen said.
“She didn’t zip on that track and I don’t think it’s due to the track. Either she has come to the end of it, or hopefully the vet can tell us more.”
Caulfield was upgraded to a Good (2) after the Thousand Guineas Prelude.
Clare Lindop was delighted with the way Champagne Stakes winner Go Indy Go found the line after she had to take her back early from a wide barrier.
