Ben Hayes is optimistic that adjusting distances will benefit Lindsay Park’s two key contenders in the upcoming Bendigo Guineas. The 1400-meter Listed race marks the second start this campaign for Group 2 winner Double Market.

Double Market, a daughter of Castelvecchio, finished last in the Group 3 Typhoon Tracy Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on March 22. That race was her shortest distance and first on wet ground, on a day when few horses made up ground.

“She was well short of her trip first-up and because she did so well last prep she’s kicked off in Stakes grade,” Hayes said.

“She’s come on from the run and her work has been excellent.

“With the step up to 1400 metres, you will see a big improvement.”

Double Market, who secured the Group 2 Moonee Valley Fillies Classic (1600m) on Cox Plate Day last year in just her second start, is currently a $41 chance. Her stablemate, Ndola, is the $4.40 second favorite.

Ndola placed third in the VOBIS Gold Reef and ninth in the Group 1 Australian Guineas over 1600m in his last two starts, leading the Hayes team to believe that 1600m may be beyond his optimal distance.

Before the Guineas, Ndola delivered a strong second-place finish in the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes at 1400m.

“He loomed up to win that race, but he just peaked on his run,” Hayes said of the last-start performance.

“We’ve tried him twice at a mile and both times he hasn’t quite finished off, so I think dropping back to 1400 metres will be suitable for him.

“The horse is in fantastic order. We’ve got a good opinion of him, but he may be a sprinter, 1400-metre horse and we’ll train him like that now.”

Luke Currie, who has ridden Ndola in eight of his nine starts, retains the ride and will break from barrier four in the 11-horse field. Michael Dee will pilot Double Market from gate seven.