A favourable starting position holds significant value, particularly on circuits with sharp bends.

Therefore, Lindsay Park opted without hesitation to withdraw Plymouth from the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) last Saturday, despite the victory providing a ballot waiver for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) in October.

The gelding Plymouth, under the care of Ben, Will and J D Hayes, drew gate 17 in the Mornington Cup, whereas victor Kings Valley secured barrier 6 and claimed the prized entry into the Caulfield Cup.

With the Mornington Cup opportunity gone, Plymouth now targets the Benchmark 100 contest at 2000m at Flemington this Saturday.

Ben Hayes noted the setback of bypassing Mornington but highlighted the wide draw’s challenges for the gelding.

“Unfortunately, 17 over 2400 metres at Mornington, we didn’t feel it was right,” he said.

“He needed a nice barrier. Last start he drew well and we ended up too far back, so we decided to scratch from Mornington, and we will head towards the 2000-metre race at Flemington on Saturday.

“After that, and depending on his performance, he could then head towards the Warrnambool Cup.”

The Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) is scheduled for May 7, a event previously conquered by Lindsay Park in 2019 courtesy of Furrion during the tenure of David and Ben Hayes alongside Tom Dabernig.

Plymouth had shown solid form leading into his latest outing.

He placed runner-up in the Albury Cup on March 20, then was 12th from 14 in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on April 3, trailing Ambassadorial.

“He’s fine and it was just the barrier why we didn’t run,” Hayes said.

“It’s very hard from out there, especially at Mornington.”

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