The Chester Manifold Stakes has not been a race high on the agenda for Lindsay Park.
David Hayes had only one win to his name before heading off on his second stint in Hong Kong, that being Grande Rosso in 2017.
Now with Ben and Jd Hayes at the helm, Lindsay Park has three runners in the Listed race over 1400m at Flemington on Sunday, which is being run for the second time on New Year’s Day.
Crosshaven, Nicolini Vito and Biometric will be pitted against seven rivals as they chase the $105,000 first prize cheque.
Ben Hayes said he was loathe to separate the trio, saying they were all similar types and importantly are heading into the contest in good form.
Crosshaven made a long overdue return to the winner’s enclosure when successful in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on November 26.
That was the five-year-olds first win since taking out the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington during the 2020 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
“He had been knocking on the door a lot, but there had been a couple of good seconds,” Hayes said.
“For him to get that win was well-deserved. I think he’s back on track now, which is great, he’s a while between runs, five or six weeks, but he’s had a tick-over jump-out at Werribee last week.
“I think his fitness levels are good and it looks a suitable race.”
Nicolini Vito, with seven wins from 21 starts, scored over Sunday’s course and distance when he defeated stablemate Biometic on December 17.
Hayes said it was a great win as the son of Nicconi did not have things go his way.
“He was three-wide the trip and had to make a big run, but he finished off well,” Hayes said.
“We’re really happy with him and I can’t see him running a bad race from the draw.”
European import Biometric has promised a lot since his arrival in Australia in late 2019, but from his 26 Australian starts, he only has two wins to his name.
But Hayes said Biometric can be his own worst enemy.
“He does seem to find trouble,” Hayes said.
“I really believe he would have pushed Nicolini Vito if he had got the run when he needed it last time.
“They both come into the race with similar form and they both have drawn well, and I think the one that gets the better run, wins.
“In fact, all three have drawn fantastic and hopefully they don’t get in the way of each other.”