Two-pronged G1 Blue Diamond Stakes hand for Lindsay Park
Lindsay Park has opted to keep Shining Smile out of this weekend’s Blue Diamond Stakes, instead placing their trust in Tycoon Star and Miss Celine for the $2 million showdown at Caulfield.
Although Shining Smile’s dead-heat win in the Talindert Stakes was promising, trainers Ben, Will, and JD Hayes have decided to focus on their two horses that were specifically targeted for Victoria’s premier juvenile race.
Tycoon Star, a Written Tycoon colt, is second-up after finishing fourth in the Blue Diamond Prelude, while Miss Celine will have her third run this prep following her performances in the 1000m Preview and 1100m Prelude.
Miss Celine, who won the Listed Debutant Stakes (1000m) in October, is expected to be at her best for the Blue Diamond.
“We framed her prep off Hayasugi, we wanted her to be peaking third-up,” Hayes said. “I think she’ll be peaking on Blue Diamond Day.”
Tycoon Star, a strong closer in his first-up run, is also expected to step up.
“He’s come out of it terrific and he’ll be ready to go second-up,” Hayes said.
Will Hayes hopes to join his family’s rich Blue Diamond history, with multiple past wins by his father David and grandfather Colin.
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