Leading trainer David Hayes is confident that imported stayer Jet Away can maintain his unbeaten record in Australia when he steps up to Group 1 level in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Jet Away will step up to Group 1 level when he contests the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on Saturday. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Jet Away recorded impressive wins in the Yalumba Golden Mile (1600m) and Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) in his debut Australian preparation earlier this year but is set to face a much tough field this weekend.

2013 Melbourne Cup favourite Puissance De Lune, the highly-rated Sea Moon, 2012 Australian Derby winner Ethiopia and three-time Group 1 winner Manighar are expected to take part in the event but Hayes believes that Jet Away is good enough to be a leading contender in the recently upgraded race.

“I think Jet Away can nearly win, or at the very least he will be in the finish,” Hayes told News Limited.

“Puissance De Lune is a very, very good horse and he does have race fitness on his side.

“But we have given Jet Away plenty of work at home and he did win the Bendigo Cup first-up back in the autumn like a topliner.

“I’m really excited to have this horse back and I think he is in for a great spring.”

Jet Away has been included in the nominations for both the Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Cox Plate (2040m), with the Caulfield Cup expected to be the major 2013 Spring Racing Carnival assignment for the son of Cape Cross.

The six-year-old is currently on the third line and available at odds of $13 in 2013 Caulfield Cup betting markets, behind Super Cool ($10) and Fiorente ($11), while he is on the eleventh line of Cox Plate betting at the much longer price of $26.

These odds will be much shorter if Jet Away does maintain his undefeated record on Saturday, so if you think Jet Away is a chance to win either the Caulfield Cup or Cox Plate back him in the futures markets at bookmaker.com.au today!