3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes after Zayydani takes out the Listed Ballarat Cup on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: Zayydani (L Nolen/B & J Hayes) - $12
2nd: Yonkers (D Oliver/C Waller) - $26
3rd: Vanna Girl (Z Spain/T & T Edmonds) - $26
Winning Time: 2:05.19 Last 600m: N/A
Margins: ½ Head x Short Head
The mare in form wins the Ballarat Cup!
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 20, 2021
Luke Nolen gave Zayydani another peach of a ride and it'll be a huge thrill for @lindsayparkrace. @Country_Racing @BallTurfClub pic.twitter.com/WJPPLORjQQ
Winning Trainer: Ben & JD Hayes (Ben interviewed)
"I think it is full credit to Luke. She didn't go around one horse again and that gap she took up the straight was very tight and she just showed how tough she is and she was so strong through the line.
"Such a big thrill. Well done to all the team, my brother in Hong Kong, JD - he'll be thrilled.
"Really nice to get a nice winner again.
"Along with Mr Brightside she's the pin up girl of the stable. Mr Brightside is the pin up boy.
"For her to come and win and give them (the owners) a win like that with good prize money, just shows what a champ she is.
"I was very happy where we settled. She was close enough (and) the didn't look to go hard.
"I could see up the straight she was taking that gap, the needle eye gap, and I thought she won and she did.
Next - Group 1 in the Autumn: "I think so, she deserves it. This is an add on. The Grand Final was the Matriarch and she came through that so well we thought we'd have a crack at the Ballarat Cup and gee she was impressive."
Winning Jockey: Luke Nolen
"I had to tie the mirrors in a bit today because it was a bit tighter, that gap, than it was at Flemington the other day.
"Credit to Lindsay Park, they've kept her in great shape and she peaked for that run at Flemington but they kept her in the right form, we were afforded the right runs and she was very good again.
"She enhances her pedigree again.
"When we got a half mile behind her she got strongly into the race. I had options to come away from the fence.
"Vanna Girl, she quickened away in front of me and came away from the fence. The I found Thought Of That's back and he came away from the fence as well.
"I was obligated to go back to the fence and she was still really good through the line.
"Away from mares grade there's some ok off-season stayers in this field and I think she's going very well. The boys are going well."
Special to be a part of these wins: "It's been good but I've had a bit of luck with them since Pete (Moody) had his hiatus from racing. And I still have a bit to do there since Peter returned so they're really loyal and they're doing a good job on their own.
"I think it'll only continue to grow from here. They've got a lot of people behind them and the good horses will come. It's onwards and upwards for Lindsay Park Mark 2."
