Makram has developed a reputation as a long-odds threat, and the Lindsay Park team is hoping the gelding can deliver another upset in Saturday’s Anniversary Vase (1600m) at Caulfield.

Trained by Ben, Will and J D Hayes, Makram famously claimed a Flemington Stakes victory at $151 last year, toppling Group 1 winner Jimmysstar in a major boilover. Since then, his form has been mixed, though his third-place finish behind Bank Maur over 1400m at Cranbourne on April 18 suggested he’s returning to form.

Ben Hayes believes the gelding is well placed for this run and sees him as a legitimate top three or four chance at $26 in early betting.

“We were quite happy with his first-up run and we’ve gone back to blinkers,” Hayes said. “There should be genuine pressure in the race, so we’ll let him settle and finish off.”

Makram began his racing career in the UK before arriving in Australia with high hopes as a Caulfield Cup or Melbourne Cup contender. He showed early promise, finishing second in the Herbert Power Stakes and third in the Geelong Cup in 2022.

A light 2023 campaign followed as he recovered from surgery, but he returned to win at Flemington first-up in February last year.

“It took time for his joints to settle after surgery, but this is the best he’s looked,” Hayes added. “He’s happy and moving well. And he’s known for springing a surprise at odds.”

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