Former New Zealand filly Risque scored at her Australian debut with a last to first win in the Group 3 $150,000 Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield today.

Risque wins the Kevin Hayes Stakes at Caulfield at her first Australian start. Photo Ultimate Racing Photos.

Risque only joined the Lindsay Park Team of David Hayes and Tom Dabernig over the Summer and she will now be set for the Group 1 $750,000 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington in three weeks time.

“I would say the Australian Guineas. That is the race we are looking at,” David Hayes said.

“But we will see how she pulls up. She has got such a big stride, she would love Flemington and she is a proven miler.”

“It is only three weeks away, so I think we are on the right leg.”

Hayes said that he was a little bit worried at the 600m when Risque was racing with the tailenders, but the filly was able to prove her class with a strong finishing burst when needed.

With a solid set up front by The Big Dance ($14), winning jockey Damian Lane was happy to settle Risque ($3.60) at the back of the field before pulling her to the centre of the track to gather in the leaders to score a long neck win over the favourite Mossin’ Around ($2.70) with Cana ($6.50) also running on for third.

“We all had out heart in our mouths at the 600m, we didn’t think she would be so far back.”

“When she got into the clear she really looked good.”

Before arriving at Lindsay Park, Risque had started six times in New Zealand for three wins, including a win in the Group 1 NZ$300,000 New Zealand Bloodstock 43rd 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton Park last November.