Lindsay Park pair set for Caulfield debuts

Ben Hayes says the stable’s two debutantes at Caulfield can stake claims for the Blue Diamond.

Lindsay Park two-year-olds Ennis Hill and Via Regina begin their racing careers at Caulfield where the the stable hopes they can show enough to press claims for the Blue Diamond Stakes.

Both fillies are engaged in Saturday’s Evergreen Turf Plate (1100m) and hold nominations for the Group One Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on February 24.

Junior Lindsay Park trainer Ben Hayes says both fillies have been given a good foundation for their first starts.

A daughter of Hips Don’t Lie, who was trained by Ben’s father David Hayes, Ennis Hill is a half-sister to Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper placegetter Lake Geneva.

Ben Hayes said the filly was retained by Coolmore to race in their all navy colours which were worn by Tulip and Formality in the rich two-year-old races last year.

“She’s a horse that doesn’t have the greatest legs so she didn’t go to the sales and we’ve had to be really careful with her,” Hayes said.

“But her work at home has been really good and she’s shown us above average ability.

“She’s been showing us similar ability as what Formality and Tulip were showing at the same stage last year, but we want to see how she goes about it on the racetrack.

“It’s hard to be super confident about a first starter but we’re expecting her to run really well.”

Via Regina has drawn the inside gate on Saturday, a huge positive according to Hayes.

The filly has remained at Flemington since a jump-out win earlier in the month.

“She’s been at Flemington over the past couple of weeks and has improved and really tightened up,” Hayes said.

“She’s drawn barrier one which is a big plus and she should get a good run.”

Ennis Hill ($4.40) is the more over Via Regina ($11) while the Mick Price-trained Advancing is currently the $4.20 favourite.