Horizontal initial-position conjecture for Infinite Hex

Consider Infinite Hex played on its infinite board, with Red and Blue claiming tiles according to the usual rules. The initial position is the one depicted in Figure.

Horizontal initial-position conjecture. A game of Infinite Hex with initial position as in figure is a win for Red.

The source presents this as an apparently easier problem related to the conjecture that a single initial Red tile guarantees victory. It gives no proof or resolution, so the problem remains open.