The Victoria Handicap has proven far more fruitful for Lindsay Park than the Easter Cup conducted at Caulfield.
Saturday brings Ben, Will and JD Hayes’ bid for three successive Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) spoils with Here To Shock and Cafe Millenium, while the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) represents uncharted success territory.
Only Jet Away has delivered an Easter Cup for Lindsay Park in the 21st century, scoring under David Hayes in 2013.
Bankers Choice and Plymouth give the Hayes brothers credible shots in what shapes as a balanced betting contest this year.
Third to Birdman by a whisker under two lengths in Caulfield’s Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) March 14, Bankers Choice presses on to start two of his preparation.
Returning post the Caulfield Cup (2400m) from last October, the marathon type enjoyed deep preparation for resumption.
Such groundwork shone through in the Peter Young Stakes, JD Hayes observed.
“Enormous,” Hayes said of the run.
“It was as good a first-up run that he has had in his career I would think.
“He’s right on track for the 2000 metres and it looks right in his sweet spot.”
Bankers Choice, with Daniel Stackhouse riding under 60kg, is available at $15 in betting.
Albury Cup runner-up Plymouth commands greater favouritism at $7.50 partnered by Luke Currie.
Plymouth’s form builds with fourth-place finishes: to Tom Kitten in the Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) Caulfield February 7, and Birdman in the Blamey Stakes (1600m) Flemington February 28.
“He was very good in the Albury Cup,” Hayes said.
“He was genuine and did everything right, but I think he will appreciate getting back on his Melbourne leg.”
Visit trusted betting sites to find the keenest odds on the Easter Cup action.