There has been a differing of opinions in the trainer’s hut at Lindsay Park over whether Gentleman Roy or Nicolini Vito is the better horse.
That question may be resolved on Saturday when the pair clash in The Schweppes Plate (1600m) at Flemington.
Nicolini Vito is looking to extend his winning sequence to four while Gentleman Roy has only been beaten once this preparation which has extended to five runs.
The Ben & Jd Hayes trained pair has improved as their careers have got longer.
“They’re similar horses and there’s often debate in the trainer’s hut which one is better, so this is the day we’re going to find out I suppose,” Ben Hayes said.
“I was Gentleman Roy early, but Nicolini Vito is a horse that has kept improving as well.
“He can do a bit wrong, but from that draw (barrier 16) I think it forces our hand and we’ll have to ride him quiet.
“If they roll along and go too fast in front, he’ll be hitting the line really well.
“Josh Richards knows the horse and that clam will help him as well.”
Gentleman Roy should be unbeaten this campaign with Hayes saying the one defeat, when second at Caulfield on January 12, came about following a wrong set of instructions.
He said Gentleman Roy went too slowly in front that day, but in two subsequent starts has run along in the lead.
“It takes a lot of horses off the bridle early and to win four out of five for the prep is impressive and I think he can do it again,” Hayes said.
“This is the preparation where he has come of age.
“It’s very typical of the sire So You Think. We find that they get better and better as they get older.”