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.
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