The Lindsay Park team has its attention split this week between two major races at Eagle Farm, with Bankers Choice set for a strong showing in The Q22 (2200m) while Stradbroke favourite War Machine awaits his barrier.

Ben Hayes is confident Bankers Choice is peaking at the right time after a commendable third in the Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup (1800m), his first run in the wet since last year’s JRA Plate.

“He’s easy to work with,” Hayes said. “We were happy with his return considering the conditions and time between runs.”

The Q22 marks a return to a distance Bankers Choice handles well, having claimed the Mornington Cup (2400m) earlier in the autumn, a win that also confirmed his Caulfield Cup credentials.

A recent Caulfield trial kept him ticking over, and Hayes believes that effort and his last start will have him ready for the $1.2 million feature.

“It was just about keeping him fit and sharp. He’s been strong over these trips before, and the 2220m is ideal,” he said.

The Brisbane weather is expected to remain fine throughout the week, boosting confidence that conditions will suit on Saturday.

Bankers Choice is an $11 shot with online bookmakers, with Doomben Cup runner-up Fawkner Park leading the market at $2.50 for The Q22.