Three in the hunt for Cup

DAVID Hayes doesn’t have a favourite among his three starters in Saturday’s Caulfield Cup but believes that is a big advantage going on recent results.

Hayes has Rostropovich $ 26 with TAB fixed odds, $13 chance Constantinople and $51 hope Qafila running in a bid to win his fourth and final Caulfield Cup before he relocates to Hong Kong next year.

“They’re not at the top of the betting but you only have to look at Saturday with Cape Of Good Hope and also over the last few weeks with results to know that mightn’t be a bad thing,” Hayes said.

Hayes can build a case for each of his three starters he trains with his son Ben and nephew Tom Dabernig.

Hayes said knowing he was heading for Hong Kong next year, he was keen to have a strong hand in the three Melbourne features, the Caulfield Cup, the Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cup.

“That’s why we bought Constantinople and Cape Of Good Hope. Constantinople is our Melbourne Cup horse as he’s an out-and-out stayer, but that’s not to say he can’t win on Saturday.”

“He galloped every bit as well as Cape Of Good Hope. We’re using the Caulfield Cup to learn about him for the Melbourne Cup but it wouldn’t surprise me if he ran a big race.”

Hayes said the Caulfield Cup was Rostropovich’s aim and he expected an improved run on his last-start ninth in the Turnbull Stakes.

“It was my fault last start as I told Dwayne to follow Mystic Journey, which he did, but we weren’t expecting her to settle where she did. By the time he found where she was, which was last, he was fourth last.

“I think he’ll be a big improver. He’s been set for the two Cups. If he can draw a barrier and get to the right spot, he’ll be a big chance.”

Hayes won the race two years ago with $41 chance Boom Time and he can see similarities with Qafila.