A victory in the Group Three race named in honour of his late father would rank as highly as a Group One success for Hall of Fame trainer David Hayes.

Formerly known as The Debonair, the three-year-old colts and geldings race was renamed the C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) in 2008, honouring Hayes' father and legendary trainer Colin who died in 1999.

David Hayes will saddle up two runners in Saturday's renewal which has added significance.

"It would be like winning a Group One for me," Hayes said.

"And this year the race falls on his birthday."

Hayes has Bass Strait returning from a freshen-up and Gerontius resuming from a spell.

"I've got a couple of nice young stayers resuming and a good quality young stayer can often sprint well fresh," Hayes said.

"I've barely had a runner in this race in recent years but I'd love to win it."

Bass Strait spent the spring carnival on the sidelines after spraining an ankle but Hayes believes the time off could have been a blessing.

The gelding resumed with a maiden win at Seymour in December and followed with a midweek city win at Sandown last month before being freshened for autumn assignments.

Both runners are at double figure odds in betting but Hayes gives them a chance, provided there is genuine speed.

"I think they can run well as long as they go fast enough," Hayes said.

"I've got a lot of regard for them both but if it was a mile I would be more confident."

Bass Strait is on trial for the Australian Guineas although Hayes says the Alister Clark Stakes is a more realistic goal.

Gerontius is being set for the Australian Derby in Sydney.

Hayes said fellow three-year-old Alzora would also need a solid tempo if she was to be in the finish when she resumes in The Vanity (1400m).

Alzora hasn't raced since her fifth in the Victorian Oaks (2500m).

Hayes said Alzora had improved from the spring and would likely head to the Australasian Oaks in Adelaide or the Vinery Stud Stakes in Sydney, both Group One fillies races over 2000m.