PHERE THE HAYES CLAN IN SA DERBY

A PEDIGREE stretching back almost 70 years could lead to a shock result in Saturday’s Group 1 South Australian Derby.

Trainers Ben and JD Hayes will saddle Phere The Ex in their chase for a maiden South Australian Derby 68 years after their legendary grandfather, Colin Hayes, won his first Group 1 race with Pandie Star in the 1954 Derby.

Hayes went on to win three more editions of the South Australian Derby with Royal Chat (1960), Clear Prince (1970) and Mapperley Heights (1984).

The brothers’ father, David Hayes, also in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, finally won his sole SA Derby in partnership with Tom Dabernig when Qafila saluted in 2019.

Qafila was a $14 chance in her winning year. But Phere The Ex is more than double those odds at $34 in the latest South Australian Derby betting.

However, Ben Hayes said there was a lot to like about Phere The Ex’s effort when fifth in the Chairman’s Stakes (2000m), a traditional SA Derby lead-up.

Phere The Ex jumped from a maiden to Group 3 level in the Chairman’s Stakes. Hayes said the son of Exosphere stuck to his task well.

“I actually thought our boy Phere The Ex was really good in the Chairman’s,” Hayes said.

“He really ground right to the line to finish fifth, although he was well beaten.”

Phere The Ex ran a solid third in the Geelong Classic at his only run past 2000m last spring.

Hayes said the gelding would thrive over the 2500m on Saturday, especially after drawing barrier six.

“He doesn’t possess a big turn of foot so out in trip, over 2500(m), he has a turn of foot at the end of that race,” Hayes said. “I think 2500m will be no issues. He’s drawn well so will be able to settle closer to the pace.”