"It was their first horse with CS and they have been very lucky owners winning Lightning Stakes, Newmarkets and Futuritys," Hayes said. "They have had horses like Niconero, Nicconi and that crew. They have become our biggest Australian owners.

"They have had Derby runners and to get there with a horse like Mickey Blue Eyes, which is a real hope, is great on the 30th anniversary of King's High's win.

"It would give me a great deal of pleasure to emulate dad and win the race for the owners."

Mickey Blue Eyes is considered the best chance of Hayes' trio according to bookmakers and was rated a $17 chance on Thursday.

"Mickey Blue Eyes is an undeniable hope," Hayes said. "I thought he was good at Moonee Valley from gate 16. We decided to ride him cold and to run fifth was a good effort.

"If he cut the corner he would have finished on the winner's heels, but he decided to go around them.

"And It was probably a bit wet for him in the Spring Champion Stakes [where he was fifth]. I think he will stay the trip and he will get a good run from the good gate and can turn it around."

Another of the country's most prominent racehorse owners, Rupert Legh, is equally bullish about the chances of the Mike Moroney-trained Chapada, which chased home Thinkin' Big in the Norman Robinson at Caulfield.

"Mike's extremely confident," Legh said.

"James McDonald jumped off the horse on Tuesday and gave him a glowing report. He said he was an absolute delight to ride. He's one of those horses that will go to sleep for you, pick up the bit, drop the bit ... whatever you want.

"We believe he's got so much upside and it's going to be an interesting race."

Chapada was rated a $16 chance as he tries to win the Victoria Derby in his first preparation.