The Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and J D Hayes had their faith in Hard Kick justified when the three-year-old returned to winning form at Caulfield.
A debut winner down the straight at Flemington in February, Hard Kick was sent out an odds-on favourite in his return run down the straight at Flemington last month, only to finish sixth.
Ben Hayes admitted he and his brothers had been left flat by that performance but elected to take Hard Kick back to the jump-outs and add a tongue tie to his gear.
It worked wonders as Hard Kick came out to lead throughout and win the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) on Saturday.
Ridden by Damian Lane, Hard Kick ($7) held off Organised Crime ($26) by a short neck with Confederation ($18) a length away third.
The Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival is firmly in the mind of the Lindsay Park stable.
Hard Kick bolts in the Talindert Stakes on debut‼️
Tentyris won the race last year 👀@LaneDamian @lindsayparkrace pic.twitter.com/AcwvAXme4p
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) February 14, 2026
Hayes said the stable would have no hesitation in taking Hard Kick back to the Flemington straight and nominated the Group 3 Poseidon Stakes (1100m) on September 12 as a potential next outing.
“We were very flat after his first-up run,” Hayes said.
“He got a big bump, he over-raced and everything didn’t work out, so to come out, second-up and win a Group 3, to relax and do everything right, it’s a big thrill.
“We wouldn’t hesitate trying him back down the straight, but there are plenty of options.
“We had high expectations first-up and he just got it wrong first-up.
“Out the back he was too fresh, he sweated up when he paraded and even today, he was still on his toes, but he wasn’t sweating and in a better mood.
“We took our time, took him back to the trials and made the little gear change.
“These are some of the more satisfying wins that you can have.
“We think he’s got a very good future, and we can’t wait for the rest of his prep.”
