Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2016: David Hayes’s big guns ready to fire in Group 1 features

POLL: DAVID Hayes can’t wait for Saturday’s Randwick meeting, saying his team “is locked and loaded” for an attack on the four group 1 races.

Michael Manley

2 min read

April 5, 2016 - 10:35PM

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DAVID Hayes can’t wait for Saturday’s Randwick meeting, saying his team was “locked and loaded” for an attack on the four Group 1 races.

Hayes’ biggest representation in the Group 1s is in Australia’s second richest race — the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) — headlined by last year’s winner Criterion.

He will be joined in the big race by Dibayani and Rising Romance.

Hayes said Criterion’s win last year was “outstanding” and believed he was approaching similar form.

“He’s peaking for this race,” he said. “He was exceptional in this race last year and I think he’s not far off that form — I reckon he won’t be far off.”

Hayes said Criterion had taken a little longer to find form this campaign as he had the edge knocked off him in the Melbourne Cup and then the Hong Kong Cup.

“I must admit I was worried after his first-up failure, but I was much happier with his last run when he finished third in the Ranvet Stakes,” he said. “He’s really come on since then and he also likes it wet — the signs to me are very good.”

Criterion was beaten by four lengths by The United States in the Ranvet, while Dibayani finished just behind him in fourth.

Hayes is also expecting an improved run from Dibayani, who he said had raced “a bit fresh” on that occasion.

Rising Romance finished fifth in The BMW behind Preferment at her last start.

“She’s racing well and hasn’t had a lot of luck,” Hayes said. “She’ll love the prospect of a wet track.”

Hayes and Dabernig’s other Group 1 hopes will be led by Almoonqith in the $2 million Sydney Cup over 3200m. Hayes said the six-year-old stallion was ready to shine.

“He’s looking for two miles,” he said. “He’s taken benefit from his two runs and he’s back to a handicap, which will suit.”

Hayes also believes Sacred Eye is a strong chance for the $1 million Australian Oaks at good odds. “There’s big improvement to come as she’ll really appreciate the 2400m,” he said. “She was poorly weighted last Saturday and she still ran well.”

Three-year-old fillies Risque and Pasadena Girl will take on the 1600m Queen Of The Turf.