10/10/2008 3:39 PM
Trainer David Hayes is torn as to which of his two Caulfield Guineas chances - Von Costa De Hero and All American - will be his stable elect in Saturday's race.
Hayes, chasing Lindsay Park's first victory in the race since St Covet saluted in 1994, said he was leaning towards All American after he drew barrier four as opposed to Von Costa De Hero's 14.
"It's a genuine toss-up," Hayes said.
Jockey Craig Williams, who was left with All American after Kerrin McEvoy's connections with Sheikh Mohammed's Darley Stud saw him get first call on Von Costa De Hero, was not complaining about his mount's chances in the Guineas.
"I was handed a fantastic barrier draw so if I was working from barrier draws I'd be on the horse I'd like to be on," he said.
"Even as two-year-olds they were both fantastic."
"I had All American going into the Golden Slipper and David said Von Costa would be the better for me and David was right again."
Hayes said race favourite Whobegotyou would be the one to beat in the Guineas after his barnstorming victory in the G2 Bill Stutt Stakes (1600m) on September 26.
"Hopefully he peaked last week," Hayes said.
Von Costa De Hero was likely to race out the back from his wide draw, Hayes said, while All American will be just off the pace.
"We rode him (All American) too close and it didn't work," Hayes said of All American's run in the Bill Stutt Stakes when second behind Whobegotyou on a leaders' track at Moonee Valley.
"He was ridden out of his pattern and it backfired. That track was on fire so we thought to go forward from the wide barrier."
Race favourite Whobegotyou was the one to beat in the Guineas, Hayes said.
"Hopefully he peaked last week," he said.
Whobegotyou is likely to be saved for one late burst, said his trainer Mark Kavanagh.
"He'll get back and out of trouble so hopefully he's got the last swoop at them," he said.