As Apulia prepares for Saturday’s 2000m Group 1, the Lindsay Park stable looks to bolster its proud Australian Cup record.

Winning trainers of the Australian Cup already encompass Colin Hayes, David Hayes, Peter Hayes, Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig, leaving Will and J D Hayes to chase that accolade on the weekend.

Ben, Will and J D Hayes rely on Apulia to deliver an unexpected result in the feature contest.

The Australian Cup history includes shock results from Dandy Andy in 1988, Roman Arch ($51) in 2006, and Harlem’s repeat wins at $61 in 2018 and $31 in 2019, kickstarting Ben Hayes’ three-race tally with partners David Hayes and Dabernig.

Apulia’s $10 quote for Saturday is more compact than Harlem faced, and lately double-digit hopes have thrived in the Australian Cup.

Ben Hayes confirmed Apulia’s fine form ahead of Saturday with William Pike to ride, having partnered the Perth summer double including the Perth Cup (2400m) victory on January 1.

Returning east, Apulia was fifth to Birdman in the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington a month ago, improving to second versus Birdman in the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield March 14.

Saturday sees blinkers back on Apulia.

“He hasn’t worn the headgear for a while, so we’ve put a set of blinkers on which may give us the extra couple of lengths that we need to catch Birdman,” Hayes said.

“I thought we ran well behind him at Caulfield. He had the easier run than us, as we had to go wide.

“He’s there to peak on Saturday. He loves Flemington and I think the 2000 metres is what he’s looking for.

“I think 2400 is his best trip with his win in the Perth Cup, and he was dominant, but at 2000, he’ll still be sharp enough and will be competitive.

“We’re hopeful and I think he’s a genuine top three chance in an Australian Cup, and it has been a good race to us over the years.”

The market has Birdman at $3.70 leading Tom Kitten on $4.20.

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