Hayes call for VRC to copy Everest
CHAMPION trainer David Hayes believes The Everest has provided a blueprint for the Victoria Racing Club to follow to ensure the best quality field for the Melbourne Cup.
Hayes believes more leadup races like the Geelong Cup and Moonee Valley Gold Cup should provide exempt-free status into the Melbourne Cup.
The northern hemispheretrained stayers are likely to make up at least half the 24- horse Cup field next week as it seems local horses are finding it harder to get into the race.
“Gai Waterhouse’s stayer, Runway, beat all the imports in the Geelong Cup but he is battling to get into the Melbourne Cup,’’ Hayes said.
“It would be a better Cup with Gai’s horse in it. I just feel the VRC could have the Geelong Racing Club promoting their Melbourne Cup if the winner of the Geelong race was guaranteed a Cup start.
“Before The Everest I noticed in Melbourne that when you won a sprint race all they talked about was getting into The Everest, it was a great piece of free promoting.
“If there are more races to qualify, it would increase the profile of the Melbourne Cup and give the locals and lightweight horses more chance.’’
Hayes said it might also encourage trainers of international stayers to run before the Melbourne Cup, which gives punters more opportunity to analyse their form.
The Hall of Fame trainer will today learn if his Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner Ventura Storm will be issued a Melbourne Cup penalty.
“I don’t think he would get much of a penalty if any but if he does it would mean he is guaranteed to get into the race,’’ Hayes said. “I think he is pretty close anyway.’’
Hayes also has form stayer Jaameh needing to win the Hotham Handicap (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday to secure a Cup start.