Noisy statement at Morphettville

David Hayes is back in business at Lindsay Park Euroa.

He made a statement to that effect at Morphettville on Saturday when first-timer Niconoise was a three-length winner of the Spring Gully Tomato Hcp (1200m).

Niconoise can help launch the new Euroa training base with a black-type welcome at the spring carnival.  He’s bred to win at the highest level being a Redoute’s Choice half-brother to G1 winners Nicconi (Bianconi) and Niconero (Danzero).

Hayes trained six winners in the first six days of the season.  The Morphettville result came just 24 hours after Sheikh Hamdan’s filly Mabsam (Stratum) was our Maiden Winner of the Day at Geelong.

With Shadwell and long-time stable stalwarts like Peter Devitt and Les Gordon in his corner, Hayes is ready to come out swinging after 18 months on the move.  “We were spread everywhere for a while,” he said.  “It certainly affected us but I’m back training in the country and spending all my time at Euroa.”

Niconoise (3c Redoute’s Choice – Nicola Lass by Scenic) is owned by Devitt and Gordon and races in the same blue and pink striped silks as Nicconi and Niconero.  Together, they claimed 7 Group 1 events.  Hayes will likely give Niconoise the chance to add another in the G1 Golden Rose on September 10.  

Nicconi served 156 mares at a $22,000 fee in his first book at Widden last year.  

Niconoise would cement his claims as one of the best young stallion prospects in the country with a victory in the Golden Rose.