David Hayes reckons the bookmakers have got it wrong, finding it hard to comprehend the price discrepancy between his filly Maraatib and the hot favourite Zydeco in today's $1 million VRC Oaks at Flemington.
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Maraatib, an impressive second to Zydeco in last Saturday's Wakeful Stakes at Flemington, is one of three runners for Hayes in the Oaks along with Ethereal Stakes winner Alzora and Mama's Choice.
Hayes believes Maraatib should have also gone close to winning the Wakeful Stakes and is at a loss to understand how she is at $16 in Oaks betting while Zydeco is around $2.30.
"Michael Walker got off her and said he should have won," Hayes said.
"The bookmakers think it is a race in two between Dear Demi and Zydeco but I think it is much more open than that.
"I'm very bullish about Maraatib.
"Alzora's also had a lovely preparation and I think the result could come down to luck in running."
Maraatib is by champion stallion Redoute's Choice, the same sire that produced Hayes' previous VRC Oaks winner Miss Finland.
Hayes is the only trainer with multiple Oaks runners and reflects the progress his new stable is making at Euroa.
“We're fully settled in at Euroa and have gotten over a few teething problems,” Hayes said.
“We don't have all that many runners at the moment but the ones we do have are running well.”
