Almanzor’s son a class act

Touchdown was the shortest-priced favourite on the Flemington card and he never gave his army of supporters any concerns.

The Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained son of Almanzor was untroubled to win over 1600 metres in the hands of Blake Shinn to bring loftier targets into play for the lightly raced five-year-old.

“There’s a lot more to come, he’s an exciting horse who might now end up in a good race in the spring,” Ben Hayes said.

A less than even money market leader, Touchdown crossed from a potentially tricky gate to coast along in second spot and, after striking the front 200 metres from home, he romped home to take his record to five wins from nine appearances.

He had resumed his current preparation last month with a runner-up finish from a wide barrier at Sandown at his previous start and connections were confident of him going one better.

“It was a heavy track and he had to go back from the draw, so it was a very good run,’ Hayes said.

“Blake gave him a great ride (at Flemington) to put him in a great spot, and it was an easy watch, he was strong through the line.”

Touchdown was bred by Brett Wilkinson and is out of the winning Shamardal mare Shamardal Luck.

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