Bankers Choice already has a ballot exemption for one of this year’s spring majors in the bag and he could be given a shot at securing another at Flemington this weekend.
The Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained Mongolian Khan seven-year-old is among the nominations for the Listed Andrew Ramsden (2800m).
The Listed event carries not only $300,000 in stakes, but a guaranteed berth in this year’s Melbourne Cup.
Bankers Choice secured his place in this year’s Caulfield Cup with Mornington Cup (2400m) victory on April 19 and Will Hayes said the Andrew Ramsden presented at the right time for the gelding.
“We’re just going to see what he’s like at staying,” Hayes said.
“He’s a horse in form. I thought his win at Mornington was full of merit and we’re just going to have a look at the race.
“We’re not locked into running yet, or not locking any plans in, and we’ll be guided by his final piece of work.”
Bankers Choice was among 28 Andrew Ramsden entries when they closed on Monday with Athabascan, Berkshire Breeze, Military Mission, Silent Surrente, Smokin’ Romans and Torranzino among his potential rivals.
The Hayes brothers took over responsibility of Bankers Choice on May 1, when they absorbed a big team of horses formerly trained by the late Mike Moroney and his training partner Glen Thompson.
Lindsay Park has won Saturday races with ex-Ballymore gallopers Oak Hill and War Machine the past two weekends and Hayes said this is a good time of the year to get to learn more about their recent acquisitions with the help of former Ballymore employee Anthony Feroce.
“He brings a wealth of knowledge and we’re very lucky to have him,” Hayes said of Feroce.
“He’s giving us great guidance and he’s also a great connector with clients.”
The Andrew Ramsden Stakes is one of two Listed events at Flemington this Saturday, joined by the $175,000 The Straight Six (1200m), which sees former Singapore star Lim’s Kosciuszko head the list of 25 nominations.
