David Hayes likely to aim three-pronged assault on Melbourne Cup

David Hayes says Saturday’s BMW Caulfield Cup winner Boom Time has earned his place in next month’s Emirates Melbourne Cup.

The 50-1 chance was a third success in one of Australia’s prestige events and a million-pound payday for the decorated Hayes, who trains him with son Ben and nephew Tom Dabernig, but is the sole owner too.

He was one of three runners for the team, with Harlem eighth and the ex-Richard Hannon St Leger runner-up Ventura Storm 13th.

Boom Time is a best-priced 33-1 with British bookmakers for the November 7 event, while Hughie Morrison’s Marmelo swept to 11-2 favouritism with Paddy Power after staying on for an eye-catching sixth.

Speaking on Racing UK’s Luck On Sunday, Hayes said: “He was owned by a very good friend of mine who hit financial times, he had to sell all his horses, I was very keen not to lose the horse so I put my hand up and took the horse on. It was a bit of a gamble but it’s happy days.

David Hayes won the Melbourne Cup with Shadwell Racing's Jeune in 1994 (FocusOnRacing)

“It’s quite unusual for me to own a horse 100% and train one so it was a bit of an experience for me and doing it with my son and nephew, it was a real thrill. I tripped over my wallet walking off the course!”

Hayes could field all three at Flemington for a race he won with Jeune in 1994, but there is a concern over Ventura Storm.

“Harlem and Ventura Storm were both single-figure odds and I did fancy them above my horse,” he said.

“Harlem got held up and Ventura Storm pulled up with a bruised heel, he was a bit lame, I think they’ll improve for the Melbourne Cup.

“I’ll definitely go with Boom Time, he’s bred to run 1200m but I think out of the Caulfield Cup, bar maybe the French horse (likely to be referring to Marmelo), he finished the best, so he’s very fit, I’ll give it a try. I had a meeting with the owner last night, it didn’t take long! I’m going to pay up.

“Harlem is most definitely going to get a run, he’s about 30th in the order of entry, and Ventura Storm needs to get over the stone bruise pretty quickly to run, he’s always been our number one seed for the race.”

Harlem is also a best-priced 33-1 with British bookmakers.

Casting his eye over the European arrivals, Hayes said: “I think Marmelo, it was a good Cup trial but I didn’t like the way he laid in when he first quickened, I just wonder if he needs a bit of cut in the ground.

“Aidan’s horse (third-placed Johannes Vermeer) ran well in the lead-up and very well in the Cup. I don’t know enough about the others but they’re always a pain in the neck, I can tell you!”