A Vanity Stakes win to Alzora at Flemington was all the more special for trainer David Hayes as it came on a day when his late father was remembered.
The Flemington meeting on Saturday also featured the running of the Group Three CS Hayes Stakes, named in honour of the champion trainer who died in 1999.
Hayes was confident Alzora had come back an improved horse this time in and the filly showed it as she sprinted well fresh to take out the Group Three race over 1400m.
It was Alzora’s first start since her fifth in the Group One VRC Oaks over 2500m in November.
“I’ve got Dad’s tie and cuff links on,” Hayes said after the win.
“It’s his day today and it’s his birthday as well so I thought, why not.”
Colin Hayes would have been 89 on Saturday.
Alzora will be set for a Group One target in Adelaide later in the campaign.
“She had been working like a really good horse coming into it so we were hopeful she could win and she did,” Hayes said.
“So we’re thrilled.
“I’m hoping she can develop into an Australasian Oaks filly.”
Alzora ($18) settled just worse than midfield during the run but Nick Hall pulled her to the outside from the top of the straight and she let down strongly when asked for her effort.
She was able to reel in the leader You’re So Good ($3.50 fav) to win by a short-head with a nose to Petite Diablesse ($9) third.
Hayes had two runners in the race named after his father but both finished out of the placings.
