David Hayes has already unveiled a Thousand Guineas contender early in the new season.
Now the Hall of Fame trainer is hoping one of his main Caulfield Guineas prospects can create a similarly big impression at Flemington on Saturday.
On the back of three-year-old filly Gregers’ impressive return at Moonee Valley last weekend, Hayes will send out Great Esteem in the Margo Harland & Margaret Eades Handicap (1410m).
Hayes has high hopes for the son of Redoute’s Choice who is among the early nominations for the Caulfield Guineas and Cox Plate.
His performance on Saturday will determine whether he is given an early shot at Group One glory in next month’s Golden Rose in Sydney.
“If he’s dominant and can do it really well on Saturday he’ll go to the Golden Rose,” Hayes said.
“Otherwise, we’ll train him towards the (Caulfield) Guineas.”
Great Esteem is yet to notch a victory from two starts but he did finish third in the Group Two Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington in March.
“I ran him in the Sires’ at his second start and he was unlucky. I’ve got a very big opinion of him,” Hayes said.
The colt is considered by Hayes to be one of his leading three-year-old prospects this spring.
He is one of a trio from that age group who Hayes has nominated for the Cox Plate, along with Gregers and Fast `n’ Rocking.
Fast `n’ Rocking will resume at Caulfield on Saturday week while Gregers impressed when she won by more than four lengths first-up.
To be ridden by premier jockey Glen Boss, Great Esteem is the $3 favourite in Saturday’s field of eight.
“He’s got a huge, lovely stride on him and I’m pretty confident he’ll run well if the track is not a bog,” Hayes said.
