Lindsay Park seeks to extend its distinguished achievements in the Australian Cup with Apulia contesting the 2000m Group 1 on Saturday.
The honour roll for the Australian Cup features Colin Hayes, David Hayes, Peter Hayes, Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig as prior winners, as Will and J D Hayes target inclusion this Saturday.
With Ben, Will and J D Hayes in charge, Apulia takes his shot at creating a minor boilover in the elite race.
Long-range winners have featured in the Australian Cup, including Dandy Andy (1988), $51 shot Roman Arch (2006), and Harlem at $61 (2018) and $31 (2019) for successive wins, forming Ben Hayes’ opening two of three victories partnered with David Hayes and Dabernig.
At current $10 odds, Apulia is no Harlem but aligns with recent double-figure performers who have fared nicely in the Australian Cup.
Ben Hayes reported Apulia in peak shape entering Saturday, to be steered by William Pike, successful aboard for dual Perth carnival triumphs, encompassing the Perth Cup (2400m) on January 1.
After Perth duties, Apulia ran fifth behind Birdman in the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington recently, then second last time out to Birdman in the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield, March 14.
Blinkers are reinstated on Apulia for the upcoming event.
“He hasn’t worn the headgear for a while, so we’ve put a set of blinkers on which may give us the extra couple of lengths that we need to catch Birdman,” Hayes said.
“I thought we ran well behind him at Caulfield. He had the easier run than us, as we had to go wide.
“He’s there to peak on Saturday. He loves Flemington and I think the 2000 metres is what he’s looking for.
“I think 2400 is his best trip with his win in the Perth Cup, and he was dominant, but at 2000, he’ll still be sharp enough and will be competitive.
“We’re hopeful and I think he’s a genuine top three chance in an Australian Cup, and it has been a good race to us over the years.”
Birdman tops betting at $3.70, followed by Tom Kitten ($4.20).
Visit top racing betting markets for the Australian Cup.
