Faatinah (Image: Racing Photos)
Lindsay Park has a large team heading to The Valley on Saturday, with some of their prized runners resuming, and head trainer David Hayes gave us his thoughts on a number of the stable's key chances on Friday.
Faatinah
"His trackwork's been excellent, his trial was terrific," Hayes said of the Group 1-placed-sprinter who steps out in the SAJ Fruit Supply Carlyon Stakes (1000m), his first race since returning from Dubai.
"I think his trial (Flemington Aug 10) is as good as he's trialled in the past, so I think it might have even helped him a bit the trip (to Dubai).
"It's a hot race, but he was a bit unlucky in the Moir last year so I think he can handle The Valley and run well.
"I think there's a lot of speed in the race, so he'd be just on the back of the speed, I wouldn't think he'd have quite the speed to lead but if he's in the first half-a-dozen he'll be poised to strike."
Tulip
"It's a competitive little race but she's going well," Hayes said of the Group 3 winner, who is the market elect for the Ladbrokes Back Yourself Handicap (1200m).
"An awkward gate (nine), I'll leave the tactics to Mark Zahra, but if she runs anywhere near her best she'll be right in the finish."
Enbihaar and Cristal Eyes
"Enbihaar first-up, Blue Diamond runner-up with a little bit of class, should get a good run from the gate (five), will run well," Hayes said ahead of the MSC Signs Plate (1200m), for which Godolphin's Multaja is the $1.60 favourite.
"I think Cristal Eyes heading towards the Guineas would be one to follow, and sticky gate (nine), but we've got a top jockey on (Damien Oliver) so he'll work it out.
"Both of them it wouldn't surprise me if they won but I've got a lot of respect for the Godolphin favourite."
Seberate and Ocean Knight
"I'd be surprised if Seberate can win, he's a really nice horse but he'll be wanting 1400-1600 metres," Hayes said ahead of the McMahon's Dairy McKenzie Stakes (1200m), in which the Team Hawkes-trained Brutal is the favourite following an impressive debut win last month at Caulfield.
"He's being set for the races a little bit longer, an optimistic Guineas or Carbine Club Stakes, that style of horse.
"(Ocean Knight) has been trialling really well, should get a good run and be running on strongly, he's been set for the Guineas, a very good horse, but obviously the favourite (Brutal) rates really well and I'm sure if the favourite gets a tough run from the gate (10), we'll give him a race."
Asked which of his three-year-olds racing at The Valley on Saturday he is most excited about heading into the spring, Hayes said: "Most excited about Ocean Knight deep into the spring and Cristal Eyes, and they'll run well, it's just that they've got very good horses to beat first-up, in probably not their perfect distance."