Wandjina wins 2015 C S Hayes Stakes Group 3 $150000, Flemington (VIC) 3yo Colts & Geldings, 1400m.
Wandjina, having his first run since finishing tenth the Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m) in October, scored a good first-up win, his second win from 11 starts. He soon crossed to the lead and was then able to steady the tempo. He eased wide on turning for home, was headed at the 200m but then battled back gamely to win by a short neck, putting up a good first-up effort.
Former WA-trained Disposition was third on the rails, took an inside run rounding the home turn and briefly looked the winner when he got to a narrow lead on passing the 200m. He then fought on soundly for (short neck) second, going well at his Melbourne debut.
Stratum Star travelled nicely in sixth place, one off the rails, looked a winning chance when he moved up at the 200m and then fought on for third.
Merion was back in seventh place, switched wide nearing the 300m and ran on quite well for (2.5 lengths) fourth.
Chivalry was well back in tenth place to the home turn. He went wide from the 400m and kept running on, in the sprint home for (3.5 lengths) fifth, in an encouraging effort.
The previously unbeaten Lucky Liberty bucked shortly after the start when his saddle slipped and was then out of contention before finishing (7.8 lengths) 11th.
