Hayes’ gelding ready to Rise to 2025 Five Diamonds challenge

The Lindsay Park team has been plotting a path towards the $2 million Five Diamonds for Rise At Dawn, and they enter Saturday confident the race sets up perfectly for their consistent gelding. Restricted to five-year-olds under set weights and penalties, the Rosehill feature has been a key spring target from the outset.

Co-trainer Will Hayes said everything has been timed to have Rise At Dawn peaking on the day.

“This has always been his grand final, no question,” Hayes said.

“The Five Diamonds is such a good race for this type of horse — tough, seasoned, and still improving. We’ve been really happy with his preparation and the draw suits beautifully.”

Rise At Dawn has shown he can measure up in Sydney before, finishing fourth to Stefi Magnetica in the Doncaster Mile (1600m) and running second in the Shannon Stakes (1500m) earlier in the preparation.

Last start, he finished third in the Crystal Mile (1600m) on Cox Plate Day, with Hayes acknowledging the Moonee Valley layout did him no favours.

“He never really balanced up at the Valley, which can happen,” Hayes said.

“Back to Rosehill, where he can stretch out and roll, is exactly what we want. His best form comes when he can maintain speed, and barrier one gives us tactical options.”

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