Having just his sixth race start, Gentleman Roy, who firmed from $8.50 on race morning to $6 by race time, strode clear for an impressive two-length win in a performance that Hayes said pointed to him challenging for better races in the future.
"I think he’s got a lot of ability, this guy," Hayes said.
"It wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up in a nice stakes race at the end of the prep.
"We’ve always like him (but) he’s just taken time to develop."
Gentleman Roy is raced and was bred by Leeton rice-grower Peter Woods and his sons Chris and Brett.
The five-year-old is out of 22-year-old mare La La Land, whose earlier produce includes the consistent Jacquinot Bay, who raced until he was 11 years old and accrued more than $1.1 million in stakes earnings.
"I have to say a big congratulations to the Woods family," Hayes said.
"They’ve supported us and it great to get results and especially a winner at Flemington. I’m sure they’ll be very happy.
"Chris Woods, he’s been very patient and he gave this horse plenty of time so he’s lightly raced. I feel he’s untapped at the moment."
Ridden by Luke Nolen, Gentleman Roy ran away from his rivals late to win by two lengths from Savannah Cloud with a length and a quarter to Dirty Deeds in third place.
Nolen too predicted a future for the son of So You Think.
"I think he’ll race in better grades," Nolen said.
"Ben and JD will have fun placing him to advantage and he’ll probably pick up a picket fence with those results.
"He’s done everything right this preparation and they’ve taken their time with him. He won well first-up this preparation and he’s carried on that form."
