Lindsay Park import Que Tempesta can lay platform for Caulfield Cup in MRC Foundation Cup

The Hayes stable believes Italian import Que Tempesta is its best chance for the Caulfield Cup for quite some time.

Lindsay Park could lay a platform for Caulfield Cup success on Saturday in the Group 3 Foundation Cup (2000m) with Que Tempesta.

The Italian import was an eye-catcher in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) last start at Caulfield in his Australian debut.

Que Tempesta, sourced by long-time Lindsay Park client Edmund Lee, who notably raced Group 1 winners Harlem and Redkirk Warrior, is a $6 chance with Ladbrokes.

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Immediacy ($4.20) has been crunched into favourite the past 24 hours with Saint George, luckless in the Heatherlie, out to $4.80 from an opening $3.90 quote.

Trainer Ben Hayes said Que Tempesta, all but assured a start in the Caulfield Cup as he currently sits 22nd in the order of entry with 53kg, will make a presence on Saturday.

“He’d be our best chance we’ve had in a while (for the Cups), just hope he gets there,” Hayes said.

“He’s moving well and we’re very happy, he’s a good horse, a good Caulfield Cup chance.

“I’d love to get there, it all depends on how he runs Saturday … hopefully he runs a good second, beaten an inch but if he gets a (weight) penalty I don’t think it will be the end of the world … he’s massive, a big horse, he’ll carry weight.”

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Hayes has fielded interest from jockeys to ride Que Tempesta in the Caulfield Cup.

“There’s a lot of people circling, they haven’t missed him,” Hayes said.

Italian horses are a rarity on the Australian racing circuit but Que Tempesta showed first-up he should measure up to the mark.

“His run in the Heatherlie was the shortest trip he’s ever run first-up and I do think, there’s a bit of rain, so having a track with a bit more give (and) 2000m will be ideal,” Hayes said.

“He’s trained on beautifully, we’re very happy with him.”

Lindsay Park will be among a host of Flemington stables to welcome visitors on Sunday from 9.30am.

Gai Waterhouse, Danny O’Brien and James Cummings will also participate in the Victoria Racing Club’s Flemington Stables Tour.

Originally published as Lindsay Park import Que Tempesta can lay platform for Caulfield Cup in MRC Foundation Cup