Lindsay Park’s Pair primed for the Blue Diamond Previews
Ben, Will, and JD Hayes are optimistic about their promising two-year-old squad as Lindsay Park targets a second Blue Diamond Stakes victory in three years. The stable will field runners in both divisions of Saturday’s Blue Diamond Previews (1000m) at Sandown.
Will Hayes, who joined the partnership after Little Brose’s victory in the Group 1 Blue Diamond (1200m) in 2023, is especially impressed with Listed Debutant Stakes (1000m) winner Miss Celine.
“She was very good (in her latest jump out). She requires a bit of persuasion to show her best, as we saw in the Debutant with her strong finish in the last furlong. But when she focuses, she’s really impressive. She’s progressing well,” Hayes said.
Miss Celine, who won from last place on debut, is expected to show her strength again, building towards a peak performance over 1200m in the Blue Diamond on February 22.
“She’s improving nicely. She’s not entirely tractable yet, which was evident in her jump out where she needed encouragement, but her ability is undeniable. She’ll run in the Preview, and hopefully, her performance sets her up for the Blue Diamond,” he added.
In the colts and geldings division of the Blue Diamond Preview, the stable will also field Shining Smile, who recently secured victory in a two-year-old handicap at Caulfield Heath.
“He’s been impressive. His first jump out was solid, and although he made a slight mistake in the second, he recovered well to finish strongly. He just needs race pace to settle, and he’s tracking nicely,” Hayes explained.
With three starts under his belt, Shining Smile brings valuable race experience and consistency. “He’s been very honest in all his starts and could really fly under the radar,” Hayes said.
Additionally, Lindsay Park has Spirit Of Boom filly Gin Spirit nominated for the fillies division, with a decision on her participation to be made during the week. However, Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) winner Tycoon Star will bypass the Preview and instead aim for the Blue Diamond Prelude on February 8.
More Racing News
War Machine to target the 2026 Australia Stakes
Top-class sprinter War Machine will resume in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Pakenham on Friday night as connections eye a strong autumn campaign. The race, traditionally held at Moonee Valley, has been moved due to redevelopment works and shapes as an ideal launchpad for the Lindsay Park galloper. War Machine...
Antino to target 2026 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the Autumn
A strong trial session at Deagon on Tuesday will be highlighted by the return of Antino as Tony Gollan begins plotting another autumn campaign for the talented gelding. Antino has not raced since his disappointing effort in the Group 1 Cox Plate, where he finished last after failing to fire on...
2026 Golden Slipper Stakes favourite Incognito nearing return to the races
The absence of Incognito from the Magic Millions 2YO Classic did little to dent his standing in Golden Slipper markets, with the colt edging closer to a raceday return. Michael Freedman elected to sidestep the Gold Coast feature with the $1 million purchase, instead opting for a controlled trial as the...
Torque To Be Sure breaks maiden in 2026 Magic Millions Guineas, survives protest
Torque To Be Sure finally lived up to his promise with a breakthrough victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas, though his success came with a nervous wait in the stewards’ room. The Matthew Dunn-trained gelding drifted under pressure in the closing stages, bumping race favourite Ninja as the...
Unit Five powers home in the 2026 Magic Millions Classic
Unit Five announced himself as a rising star with a powerful victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic, overcoming far more seasoned rivals despite limited race experience. The Ciaron Maher-trained colt, ridden confidently by Thomas Stockdale, held off Tornado Valley by a length, with By Choice finishing just behind...
Mile no issue for Merrigold in 2026 Vobis Gold Distaff
Trainer John Sadler admitted a touch of stubbornness delayed Merrigold’s step up to 1600 metres, but the mare made him look wise with a dominant Flemington victory. The five-year-old was having her first start beyond 1400 metres and handled the rise in distance with ease when taking out the Vobis Gold...
Big Sky surges into 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes calculations
Big Sky’s dominant debut at Flemington has propelled him straight into calculations for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), giving Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr the top two runners in early betting. The Bivouac colt overcame a wide draw in the TAB We’re On (1000m), travelling strongly under Jordan...
Future History too strong in the 2026 January Cup
Future History showed his class and toughness when landing the $200,000 Listed January Cup at Rosehill, giving Ciaron Maher another feature race success. The eight-year-old almost didn’t take his place in the race after heavy rain downgraded the track, but connections elected to press on despite concerns about the conditions. Ridden positively...
Golden Slipper Stakes 2026 plans for Godolphin’s Outspan
The Godolphin-trained Outspan has thrust himself into Golden Slipper calculations after a commanding win at Rosehill on Saturday. After settling just behind the speed in the 1100m contest, the Michael Freedman-trained colt finished strongly to defeat Long Throw ($15) by 1-1/2 lengths, with Miss Chanel ($4.60) another half-length back. The performance marked...
Tony Gollan’s two-year-old Itching To Go in 2026 Magic Millions Classic
Tony Gollan is leaning on a proven strategy as Itchintogo lines up on a seven-day backup in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) this Saturday. The approach has delivered strong results historically, with six winners of the $3 million race following the same path over the past 15 years. Purchased for $60,000...