It was Gentleman Roy who made-all in the finale at Sandown on Thursday afternoon to prove too strong for rivals in the Listed John Dillion Stakes.
This lightly-raced six-year-old was on return from a short 96-day spell to clinch his eighth career win from just his 16th start and produced another stylish front-running effort to kick clear of his rivals in a dominant display.
This son of So You Think continues to be a banner flyer for the Ben and JD Hayes stable, along with Doncaster Mile winner – Mr Brightside – who continue to put together quality efforts in strong company since the departure of David Hayes to Hong Kong Racing.
Gentleman Roy pinged the lids as is accustom to his followers as chasers simply couldn’t match him stride for stride up on speed. The only danger turning for home was the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Dawn Passage, who produce another eye-catching performance, after his return first-up in the Standish Handicap at Flemington.
The stable has some big plans for Gentleman Roy moving forward as well, with the Doncaster Mile not out of the realm of possibility according to co-trainer JD Hayes who spoke post-race about his tough gelding.
“He’s got so much improvement and at the straight there he really had to dig deep, he fought like a tiger and he’s just a hard horse to get past,” said JD Hayes.
“I thought it was a great ride by Mark (Zahra) and he summed it up well. He’s a tough horse.
“We made the conscious decision to turn him out early in the spring and have him ready for the autumn and we’ve got a pretty good program ahead for him if he’s able to keep ticking the boxes.
“I think we’re going to have a couple happy owners.
“We mapped out a rough plan, similar to Mr Brightside into the Doncaster. We think he’s a similar quality horse and he’s definitely got an engine under there.
“That’s very much ‘pie in the sky’ I may be speaking out of school because I need to consult with the team back home,” said Hayes jokingly post-race.
Mark Zahra noted Gentleman Roy’s toughness post-race as well and didn’t dismiss the claims of a tilt at the Doncaster.
“He’s such an honest horse,” said Zahra.
“He goes forward, makes his own luck, and tries hard in the finish, so he ticks all the boxes right there.”
Gentleman Roy is currently $26 with online bookmakers in the Doncaster Mile on April 1.
More horse racing news
