The power racing operation, now co-led by Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes after the departure of David Hayes to Hong Kong, has its best chance of a statement win in the Flemington Cup, where six-year-old gelding Alfarris looks set to jump about a $4 favourite.
After a barnstorming second at Flemington a fortnight back, Hayes told Racing.com he expected big things from the French-bred stayer in the 2800 m race.
“It was really good, but a bit frustrating really to get beaten on the line,” he said.
“It was good to see the horse bounce back, it was a great run and he was a sitting duck a long way from home. He's now really fit, he's thrived since the run and I think he'll enjoy the 2800.”
Lindsay Park also has Sin To Win in that race with the seven-year-old rated a $7 chance, while veteran stayer Ventura Storm is also nominated, although Hayes said he would more than likely run in a jumps race at Pakenham on Sunday.
Later in the meeting, former Melbourne Cup runner Muntahaa will have his first start since last year's Geelong Cup in a 2000 m handicap.
Priced at $91, Hayes hoped he would get something out of the run.
“We checked him out after (the Geelong Cup) and we found stomach ulcers, so he's had a very long break,” he said.
“He looks to have come in really nicely, we've been really slow with him and it's been a slow build-up, but I was really happy with his last trial, he showed a little bit of pace over 800 m.
“He's had a bit more time to acclimatise here in Australia, and first-up with a big weight at 2000 m might be a big ask, but we're hoping for improvement.”
Hayes also saw room for improvement for $26-shot Exeter in race two, with the three-year-old to benefit from a dry track after winning its last start at Pakenham five weeks ago.
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