And the pair got exactly that when Excelida saluted at Caulfield in the Allan Wicks Handicap (1400m).
In a wide-open race nine, Excelida ($7.50) flew home from the back of the pack to charge past the winning post in the last leg of the quaddie.
But it wasn’t all smooth watching for the Euroa-based Lindsay Park Racing team.
Jockey Jake Noonan had his work cut out for him after his ride jumped slow out of the gates.
The backmarker settled more than eight lengths behind the leader for the majority of the trip before the mare unleashed down the straight.
It turned out to be a somewhat easy watch for punters as Excelida ran over the top of them and stormed home to win by a length in the $130,000 event.
Speaking post-race, Ben applauded the ride of Noonan and his stable’s five-year-old mare.
“I was very impressed with that win today,” the eldest Hayes brother said.
“We weren’t expecting to be as far back as that, when she missed the start, credit to Jake, he went to plan B and got her balanced.
“I don’t think many horses have made ground from back in the field today and I think that puts merit on the win.”
Sunday’s appearance was Excelida’s first for eight weeks.
The mare was freshened following a close second on Melbourne Cup Day at the start of November.
“We just kept her fresh and happy at home,” Ben said.
“She would have only had a couple of weeks in the paddock and then we had her ticking over and keeping her happy.”
Asked what might be in store for the mare, who has five wins from 27 starts, Ben hinted at some potential black-type races in the new year.
“It is something we have talked about doing,” he said.
“Today gives us a little bit more confidence, it was only a 78, but she won it quite impressively.”
Excelida’s win in the Benchmark 78 race capped a stellar week for the training duo.
Ben and JD trained a pair of winners last Wednesday, December 22 at Sandown.
Pagan ($2.60) pipped its rivals by 0.2 lengths in race two, followed by Nicolini Vito ($8.50) in race eight.
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