Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes set themselves a goal to have a big impact during the Flemington carnival and they delivered, winning the coveted Bart Cummings trophy for the most successful trainers.
They are hoping to continue that trend at Sandown on Saturday when they have numerous runners and key chances in the main races.
Watching the Flemington action from Hong Kong was David Hayes, who stepped away from the training partnership when he relocated to the Asian racing centre in July.
Dabernig said Hayes senior was delighted with the Flemington results, which were highlighted by Personal’s Group One VRC Oaks victory among their five-winner carnival haul.
“He was thrilled. He said he was sitting back and watching and felt a real sense of achievement,” Dabernig said.
The trainers are keen for three-year-old Deep Field colt Aysar to win the Group Two Sandown Guineas and add to his value.
TAB fixed odds has installed him as a $1.80 favourite.
At his past two starts, Aysar has finished second to Ole Kirk in the Caulfield Guineas and also to his stablemate Crosshaven in the Carbine Club Stakes.
“He’ll be having his third run at a mile and we’re lured by the Group Two and small field,” Dabernig said.
“He’s got strong form for a race like this.”
Dabernig said some people queried whether Aysar could run out a strong 1600 metres after he looked to have the Carbine Club Stakes won before Crosshaven kicked back to get the decision in a photo.
“They both ran well. Crosshaven probably benefited from the slow tempo and he gave a really good kick,” Dabernig said.
“There was a big gap to the third horse. If Crosshaven wasn’t there, there wouldn’t be any talk about Aysar running out the mile.”
The stable will also have two of their stalwarts in Sin To Win and So Si Bon attempting to capture feature races.
Dabernig said the Sandown Cup (3200m) was the race Sin To Win had been set for and his last-start victory at Flemington over 2800 metres was to get him ready for Saturday’s race.
On that occasion he broke a winning drought of almost two-and-a-half years with his previous success coming over 3200 metres in the 2018 Andrew Ramsden Stakes.
“He looks great. The question is can he win again after breaking such a long drought but this is the race he’s been set for,” Dabernig said.
The stable also has Power Scheme, who is aiming for a hat-trick of wins, and So Si Bon in the Eclipse Stakes (1800 metres).
“So Si Bon hasn’t been far away in tougher races and an end of spring race like this is perfect for him, while Power Scheme is tough and is in great form,” Dabernig said.
