Team Hayes team makes Choice on The Q22
While much of the spotlight will be on the $3 million Stradbroke Handicap this week, the Lindsay Park team is just as focused on a big performance from Bankers Choice in the Group 2 The Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm.
Co-trainer Ben Hayes says the stable is pleased with how the seven-year-old is shaping up after a solid third-place run in the Lord Mayor’s Cup (1800m) on May 25, where Bankers Choice led early before being overrun late on a Heavy 8 surface.
“He came through that race well and was probably a bit unlucky with the ground,” Hayes said. “He’s a tough horse, very professional, and that run brought him on nicely for this weekend.”
Bankers Choice is no stranger to the distance, having proven his stamina by capturing the Mornington Cup (2400m) in April, which also secured him a ballot-free entry into the Caulfield Cup later this year.
With no rain forecast and dry conditions predicted in Brisbane, Hayes is optimistic Bankers Choice will enjoy the better going and return to peak form.
“He trialled well at Caulfield Heath in between runs to keep him ticking over,” Hayes added. “We think the 2220 metres of The Q22 is spot-on for him, and he’s ready to run a big race.”
Bankers Choice is rated an $11 contender with top online betting sites, while Doomben Cup runner-up Fawkner Park is the $2.50 favourite in a competitive renewal of The Q22.
More Racing News
Chilly Girl set to bring the heat to Furious Stakes rivals
A thrilling showdown is anticipated in the upcoming Furious Stakes, featuring Rosebud winner Chilly Girl and Silver Shadow Stakes champion Pembrey, as the early form for three-year-old fillies continues to solidify.Both fillies have made strong impressions this spring. Chilly Girl displayed grit to defeat Blue Door in the Rosebud (1100m),...
Giga Kick ready to launch spring campaign in Moir Stakes
It has been almost four years since Giga Kick and Clayton Douglas were the celebrated duo of Australian racing.The pair captured The Everest at Randwick in October 2022, and in the following autumn, they triumphed in the All-Aged Stakes and Doomben 10,000. During this period, Giga Kick was also awarded...
Pride's leading spring contenders to debut at Randwick
Trainer Joe Pride is poised to introduce his stable's major spring contenders en masse at Randwick, with four Group 1 winners slated to race, prominently featuring the top weight-for-age performer Ceolwulf.The two-time King Charles III Stakes champion is scheduled to compete in Saturday's Chelmsford Stakes (1600m). Concurrently, Headley Grange and...
Melbourne Cup 2026: 101 nominations received
The Victoria Racing Club has received 101 entries for the upcoming 166th Melbourne Cup, a 3200m race scheduled at Flemington on November 3.Despite a dip in overall nominations from previous years, international interest has grown, with 23 horses nominated from four nations: England, Ireland, Japan, and the USA.Last year, 2025,...
Natural Fling faces seasoned sprinters in Moir Stakes
The Tony and Calvin McEvoy stable is prepared to gamble on a Group 1 contest against established sprinters when Natural Fling contests the Moir Stakes at Sandown.It's uncommon for a three-year-old, let alone a filly, to challenge hardened sprinters in a 1000-metre weight-for-age race.However, that's precisely the path Natural Fling...
David Vandyke confident Oregon Coast can leverage Pembrey's form
Trainer David Vandyke holds a positive outlook for Oregon Coast's chances at Ipswich on Wednesday, particularly given her performances against horses like Pembrey and Chilly Girl.While Pembrey and Chilly Girl are prominent contenders for the Group 2 Furious Stakes at Randwick on Saturday, Oregon Coast will be competing in the...
Chris Waller assesses Chelmsford Stakes contenders
Champion trainer Chris Waller is looking for better showings from Fangirl and Lindermann in Saturday's Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes over 1600 metres at Randwick.The pair finished well back in the Winx Stakes, behind their stablemate Autumn Glow, securing 10th and 9th placings respectively. While Waller was prepared to overlook their...
Generosity poised for Group 1 Moir Stakes
There was a period earlier this year when Chris Waller considered letting go of the classy sprinting mare Generosity. However, this Saturday, she is set to kick off another racing campaign for the renowned trainer.The six-year-old mare will make her seasonal reappearance in the lucrative $750,000 Group 1 Moir Stakes,...
Maher eyes 1000m kick-off for mare Tempted
While 1000-metre races are not uncharted territory for Tempted, the talented mare is set to contest this distance for the first time in a significant period this weekend.The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old is scheduled to make her return in the $1 million Group 2 Concorde Stakes at Randwick, which will mark...
Matthew Smith's sprinting duo faces strategic choices
Australia's premier short-course sprinters have numerous engagements this weekend, and Sydney conditioner Matthew Smith is eager to leverage this for his top two 1000-metre contenders.Headwall is set to attempt a repeat victory in the Concorde Stakes at Randwick. Smith, however, favours sending Way To The Stars to Melbourne for the...