Bankers Choice is targeting another spring major after securing a ballot exemption for the Caulfield Cup with a win in the Mornington Cup (2400m).
The seven-year-old Mongolian Khan gelding is among the nominations for the Listed Andrew Ramsden (2800m) at Flemington, a race that offers a $300,000 prize and a guaranteed spot in this year’s Melbourne Cup.
Trainer Will Hayes is taking a wait-and-see approach with the gelding. “We’re just going to see what he’s like at staying,” Hayes said, adding that the decision would be guided by his final piece of work.
Bankers Choice is among 28 entries for the Andrew Ramsden, where he will face rivals such as Athabascan, Military Mission, and Smokin’ Romans.
The Hayes brothers, who took over training responsibilities for Bankers Choice on May 1, are also gaining valuable insights from former Ballymore employee Anthony Feroce.
The Andrew Ramsden Stakes is one of two Listed events at Flemington this Saturday, alongside the $175,000 The Straight Six (1200m), which features former Singapore star Lim’s Kosciuszko.