Since the Mornington Cup was upgraded in 2013 to provide ballot-free entry into the Caulfield Cup, only four horses have attempted the double — and none have managed to place in the prestigious spring feature. Trainer Ben Hayes, however, is optimistic that 2025 Mornington Cup winner Bankers Choice might buck that trend.
Hayes confirmed that Bankers Choice will be set for the $5 million Caulfield Cup on October 18, provided he performs to expectations in the Ansett Classic at Mornington this weekend.
“If Bankers Choice runs well in the Ansett (Classic) at Mornington this Sunday, yes, he’ll go to the Caulfield Cup,” Hayes said. “We think he’s going very well.”
The Listed Ansett Stakes (2415m) drew 15 nominations when entries closed on Tuesday, featuring Bankers Choice along with Melbourne Cup placegetter Okita Soushi, both carrying a domestic rating of 104.
Bankers Choice, who captured this year’s Mornington Cup at $10 for trainer Glen Thompson, has since moved to the Lindsay Park stable managed by Ben, JD, and Will Hayes.
While some question his staying credentials, his record suggests otherwise — he has never finished worse than second in four starts at 2400 metres.
The Hayes stable has history on its side when it comes to upsetting the odds in the Caulfield Cup, famously training $51 outsider Boom Time to win the race in 2017.
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