Hayes brothers target Easter Cup breakthrough with strong duo
Lindsay Park's record in the Caulfield Easter Cup trails behind their achievements in the day's Victoria Handicap feature.
With Here To Shock and Cafe Millenium, Ben, Will and JD Hayes pursue a hat-trick of wins in the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) on Saturday, but they're after an inaugural victory in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m).
Post-2000, the stable has secured the Easter Cup solely once via Jet Away's 2013 conquest trained by David Hayes.
In this year's contest, the Hayes siblings have promising contenders in Bankers Choice and Plymouth amid an even open market.
Having run third to Birdman by under two lengths in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield March 14, Bankers Choice embarks on his second outing this campaign.
Bankers Choice's prior engagement was the Caulfield Cup (2400m) last October, yet the stayer underwent extensive schooling before resuming.
His showing in the Peter Young Stakes highlighted this, according to JD Hayes.
"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."
Daniel Stackhouse takes the mount on Bankers Choice, who lugs 60kg and is quoted at $15 in betting.
Last-start Albury Cup placegetter Plymouth appeals more keenly at $7.50 with Luke Currie to steer.
The gelding has methodically improved his fitness, registering fourths behind Tom Kitten in the Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield February 7 and to Birdman in the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at 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."
Head to the online bookmakers to secure the best markets for the Easter Cup showdown.
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