Lindsay Park numbers cut for Lord Stakes

What was looking as a strong representation from Lindsay Park for a stakes race at Caulfield has been whittled down with injuries to its key players.

Lindsay Park had earmarked Metaphorical and Tashbeeh for the Listed Lord Stakes (1700m) on December 26 and were thinking of adding last-start Flemington winner Hell Or Highwater to the mix.

But injuries to Metaphorical and Tashbeeh means Hell Or Highwater is now likely to be stable’s sole representative although Mihany may also be nominated for the $120,000 race.

Entries for the Boxing Day meeting close on Tuesday.

Co-trainer Tom Dabernig said it was disappointing to see Metaphorical and Tashbeeh on the injured list.

“Metaphorical has been retired,” Dabernig said.

“She pulled up a little unsound after her last run while Tashbeeh wrenched a joint so we’ve decided on giving him a break.

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“It’s not a disastrous thing but another run might have been one too many so we’ll give him time to get over it and hopefully he can come back for some races in the autumn.

Metaphorical and Tashbeeh both contested a 1400m race won by Snoopy at Flemington on December 10 with Tashbeeh finishing best of the pair in third spot.

Earlier that day Hell Or Highwater landed her fourth win from her past five starts when successfully holding off Domino Vitale and Dabernig immediately declared the stable was keen to get some black-type for the mare.

“She’s in a good space at the moment, Dabernig said.

“She’s done very well since her last-start win and when mares get in this sort of form they can usually hold it.”

Dabernig said Mihany has been in work for a long period but continued to race well and could potentially be a nice back up after his third placing behind Kenjorwood at Flemington on Saturday.

He said the stable would monitor Mihany before making a decision on a Lord Stakes run or they could hold him over for a 1600m race at Caulfield on January 7.