Flemington barrier boost eyed by Plymouth team

Securing a strong gate draw proves crucial, above all on tracks featuring tight turns.

As such, Lindsay Park had little choice but to pull Plymouth out of last Saturday's Listed Mornington Cup (2400m), notwithstanding the success granting a ballot bypass for October's Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).

Trained by Ben, Will and J D Hayes, the gelding Plymouth pulled barrier 17 for the Mornington Cup, in contrast to winner Kings Valley's advantageous gate 6, which earned the 'Golden Ticket' to the Caulfield Cup.

Denied a run at Mornington, Plymouth shifts focus to Saturday's Benchmark 100 over 2000m at Flemington.

According to Ben Hayes, skipping Mornington was regrettable, yet the poor barrier posed a steep obstacle for the gelding.

"Unfortunately, 17 over 2400 metres at Mornington, we didn't feel it was right," he said.

"He required a nice barrier. Last start he drew well and we ended up too far back, so we decided to scratch from Mornington, and we will head towards the 2000-metre race at Flemington on Saturday.

"After that, and depending on his performance, he could then head towards the Warrnambool Cup."

The Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) takes place on May 7, marking a race Lindsay Park captured in 2019 with Furrion under David and Ben Hayes plus Tom Dabernig.

Before his recent effort, Plymouth was in good touch.

Runner-up in the Albury Cup March 20, he then ran 12th of 14 behind Ambassadorial in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield April 3.

"He's fine and it was just the barrier why we didn't run," Hayes said.

"It's very hard from out there, especially at Mornington."

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