David Hayes has credited his country training base for the strong first-up win of Jacquinot Bay at Flemington.

The eight-year-old son of Galileo made a winning return to racing in the Rod Johnson Handicap on Saturday.

Ridden by Michael Walker, Jacquinot Bay ($9) scored a half-length win from the well-backed $5 equal favourite Del Prado with By The Grace ($21) a head away third.

Jacquinot Bay was having his first run since finishing fifth at Flemington on New Year's Day and overcame a 489-day losing streak.

Hayes, who trains in partnership with nephew Tom Dabernig, says the Lindsay Park training set-up they have in country Victoria suits the older horses.

He pointed to Jacquinot Bay and Extra Zero, second in the 2015 Australian Cup, as examples of the benefits it gives.

"I think the country environment really suits older horses like this bloke and Extra Zero," Hayes said.

"We're able to sneak them into the city at Flemington occasionally, but Euroa is certainly a big help.

"I think the country air helps the horses and it helps me too."

Hayes has his eyes set on the final of the VRC-CRV Winter Championship at Flemington over 1600m on July 9 with Jacquinot Bay.

Saturday's race, over 1400m, was the third heat of the series and Hayes indicated the next round, also over 1400m in two-weeks time, would be the gelding's next assignment.