David Hayes will still wait another two weeks to decide his Everest runner despite Vega Magic's comfortable on-pace win in Saturday's Group I Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
The Star Entertainment Group has teamed up with trainers David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig to enter a runner in the $10 million The Everest, which will be held at Randwick on October 14.
The Lindsay Park operation have decided to wait as long as possible to nominate their representative for The Everest to give their powerful team, which includes established Group I winners Vega Magic and Newmarket Handicap winner Redkirk Warrior the opportunity to fully stake their claim.
Vega Magic led throughout to win the Memsie Stakes by 1¾ lengths over Black Heart Bart ($6) and Tosen Stardom ($15) to remain unbeaten for the stable, but Hayes and his co-trainers have plenty of thinking to do.
"There's $10 million up there so he would be a logical one for the Rupert Clarke (Stakes) or The Everest and I'm thinking The Everest," David Hayes said.
"It's more to do with (owner) Wally Daly and what they want to do and what deal can be struck. There are a lot of people very keen on him if the owners on our side are prepared to do it.
"He'd be a lovely fresh horse up there. He's got six weeks to it and he would come out with horns on I think."
MAGIC HAPPENS! Vega Magic dominates out in front to land the first Group 1 of the season, the @karakachat Memsie Stakes. pic.twitter.com/j7Y0KeXzyq
— Racing.com (@Racing) September 2, 2017
Vega Magic does it his way to take out the $1m Memsie Stakes.
Redkirk Warrior will have his chance to take The Everest slot when he runs in the Group II Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington.
"We won't make a decision until after Redkirk runs in two weeks but he's a similar-sized horse with similar ability, I can tell you. He's a very, very good horse Redkirk," Hayes said.
The withdrawal of the probable leader Charmed Harmony left Craig Williams with no option than to send Vega Magic to the front despite the trainers' concerns about the wind that hindered the leaders earlier in the day.
"I didn't want to lead because no leader has won all day and he was pretty bloody good I think," Hayes senior said.
"He has got special qualities with his size and scope."
