The Hayes family will look to end a 24-year gap between Wakeful Stakes victories when Ethereum Girl and Perfect Night step out for Lindsay Park at Flemington this weekend.

The stable last claimed the Wakeful Stakes back in 2000 with Lolita Star, during the era overseen by the late Peter Hayes.

Often recognised as the key lead-up to the Group 1 VRC Oaks, the Wakeful Stakes (2000m) has produced numerous Oaks heroines, including last year’s winner Treasurethe Moment.

Lindsay Park celebrated an Oaks triumph in 2020 when Personal saluted, having been runner-up in the Wakeful.

This spring, Ethereum Girl and Perfect Night will carry the stable’s hopes as Ben, Will and JD Hayes continue to build momentum under their co-training banner.

Ethereum Girl resumed with a Stakes victory in Adelaide earlier in the year, followed by strong form in the Thousand Guineas Prelude before having conditions work against her in the Thousand Guineas.

Ben Hayes highlighted that race shape played against her. “She was only second up into the Thousand Guineas and that race shape probably didn’t suit her when they walked and sprinted home,” Hayes said.

“She’s stepping up to the 2000 (metres). She’s third up now and we’ve always wanted to get her out in trip, so we’re looking forward to seeing how she goes.”

“If she’s able to run well, or win, then we would definitely consider the Oaks.”

Perfect Night has only one placing from four starts but has hinted at more to come.

“She’s a maiden filly that is needing ground and at her last start was desperately unlucky,” Hayes said.

“She does look like she’s needing the 2000 (metres), so we thought we’d have a throw at the stumps with her.”