Melbourne Cup qualifier on the cards for The Western Front

Originally posted on racenet.com.au

Lindsay Park has The Western Front set for a Melbourne Cup-qualification raid on Saturday.

The lightly-raced five-year-old has won three of the past four starts to earn a shot at the Listed Andrew Ramsden (2800m) at Flemington.

The Western Front charged to victory last start in a 2500m Benchmark 84 Handicap on Anzac Day at Flemington.

rainer Ben Hayes said the progressive stayer and connections earned a chance to qualify for the Melbourne Cup being in form at the opportune time.

"It's a step up in class (from last start) but his work has been very good," Hayes said.

"It's a good opportunity to try and qualify a horse for the Melbourne Cup and the ownership group are really excited."

Hayes saddled 2018 Andrew Ramsden Stakes winner Sin To Win in partnership at the time with father David and uncle Tom Dabernig.

Hayes credited earmuffs as the crucial gear change the past two starts in particular to help The Western Front settle in races.

The Western Front, a six-time winner from 16 starts, had a tendency to mix form and over-race previously.

Hayes said the Anzac Day performance suggested The Western Front could handle the extra distance on Saturday – rising from 2500m to 2800m.

"The key with him has been trying to get him to relax and since we put the earmuffs on in the race, he has been relaxing," Hayes said.

"Look, he's a quirky horse but he's got the ability to do it … I think it's a race he can be very competitive in."

Hayes, who trains in partnership with brothers JD and Will, said in-form sprinter Stoli Bolli would contest the Listed Straight Six (1200m) on Saturday at Flemington.

Stoli Bolli won an 1100m Benchmark 78 at Flemington fresh then rebounded from a second-up Mornington defeat to win at Bendigo quite convincingly.

Stoli Bolli has won four of 17 starts and placed on a further eight occasions, including multiple times at Flemington.

"He'll run down the straight, a good opportunity (in stakes grade)," Hayes said.

Stoli Bolli absorbed a hot early speed at Bendigo and surged to win by 2-1/2 lengths.

Hayes saddled a double last Saturday at Caulfield with Simurgh and Plymouth victorious in respective assignments.