Tivaci wins 2016 C S Hayes Stakes Group 3 $150,000 at Flemington (VIC) 3yoColts & Geldings, 1400m.
Tivaci was eased from his wide barrier (11) and settled in back in tenth place, one off the rails. He made a quick move on passing the 1000m, was pushed deep (by Palentino) at the 900m and then moved up strongly (widest of all) rounding the home turn. He hit the front at the 100m and failed narrowly being second past the post but was subsequently awarded the race on protest for interference at the 900m point.
Favourite Palentino settled well in seventh place, one off the rails. He improved (wide) from the 900m, moved up strongly at the 400m, lifted at the 100m and fought gamely to be first past the post but he was relegated to second, on protest.
Tulsa was ridden quietly from his outside barrier (12) and raced in last place until the home turn. He switched deep nearing the 200m and finished really well to take a good third.
Lizard Island began well, raced in fourth place on the rails but was pushed back approaching the home turn. He was held up behind runners at the 200m, got a late split and then fought well for a good first-up (0.8 lengths) fourth.
