Lindsay Park's Pair primed for Diamond Preview
Ben, Will & Jd Hayes are happy with how their two-year-old team is progressing as the Lindsay Park operation aims to win their second Blue Diamond in three years and will saddle up runners in both divisions of Saturday's Blue Diamond Previews (1000m), to be run at Sandown racecourse.
Will Hayes wasn't in the partnership when Little Brose won the Group 1 Blue Diamond (1200m) in 2023 but says he's happy with what he's seen from impressive Listed Debutant Stakes (1000m) winner Miss Celine.
"She was very good (in latest jump out). She needs a lot of persuasion to get the best out of her and that's what we saw in the Debutant with that last furlong. But when she does knuckle down, she's really, really good. So she's going the right way," Hayes said.
Having come from last on debut to win, Hayes is hopeful she'll be strong to the line again to peak over 6 f in the Blue Diamond on February 22nd.
"She's come on nicely. She's not the most tractable horse just yet and that was evident in her jump out where she was ridden out, but she has plenty of ability."
"She'll run in the Preview and hopefully be strong to the line and set herself up for the Blue Diamond."
Meanwhile, the team will also be represented in the colts and geldings division of the Blue Diamond Preview with Shining Smile, a last start winner of a two-year-old handicap at Caulfield Heath.
"He was really good. He got a different look. "His first jump out he hit the line well, then he got it slightly wrong in his second jump out and then was still good enough to come around them and hit the line really well, and was really good through the line," Hayes said.
"So, I think he just needs race pace to settle but he's going very well."
"He's had three starts and has that race experience on his side. He's been terrific in all the starts, he's very honest, and I think he's one that could really fly under the radar."
Lindsay Park also have Spirit Of Boom filly Gin Spirit nominated in the fillies division, with a decision to be made during the week, but confirmed that Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) winner Tycoon Star would be saved for the Blue Diamond Prelude on February 8th.
