Ben Hayes is bullish about the chances of Excelida (Exceed and Excel) in the Listed Anniversary Vase (1400m) at Sandown on Saturday.

A benchmark 78 grade winner at Caulfield on Boxing Day, Excelida has had three subsequent starts, finishing third in the Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m) and Gr.3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield last start.

“It was a huge run at Caulfield last start,” said Hayes, who trains in partnership with his brother JD.

“She was beaten by two good horses, and she’s come out of it excellent, so I’m expecting her to be competitive.

“She really deserves a stakes race win and Sandown should suit her.

“She’s run well at Sandown before and we’ve kept her nice and fresh through her whole campaign, and if she can repeat her last start, I’m sure she’ll be right in the finish on Saturday.”

The daughter of Exceed And Excel races in the colours of Cambridge Stud’s Brendan and Jo Lindsay.