Lindsay Park has had a big circle around a Group 2 race at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival for two of their mares.
That day has arrived for Mimi’s Award and Zayydani in the Matriarch Stakes (2000m) on Saturday.
Zayydani holds a special place for Lindsay Park trainers Ben & Jd Hayes.
She provided them with their first win, which also happened to be a stakes race victory, when she won the Listed Gold Crown at Eagle Farm in June.
“Hopefully she can be our first Group 2 winner as well,” Ben Hayes said.
Zayydani has had three starts this campaign with all lead-up runs aimed at having her peaking in Saturday’s 2000m contest.
At her last start, Zayydani finished fourth in the Group 3 Coongy Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on October 13, just behind Melbourne Cup fourth placegetter Floating Artist.
“She’s been trained to peak in this race, and I think the Coongy form is pretty strong,” Hayes said.
“We’ve drawn a gate that we need a bit of luck from, but if she gets the luck, she’s got the class to win.”
Mimi’s Award was a filly that appreciated getting out in ground last campaign, culminating in a win in the Group 3 SA Fillies Classic (2500m) at Morphettville in May.
The daughter of Shamus Award has had two runs back, finishing a last start second to Saltpeter over 1700m at Caulfield on October 16.
“We were thrilled with the run at Caulfield, and she’s trained on beautifully,” Hayes said.
“We can’t fault her work going into it and a bit of rain on the day might help her as well.
“I think they’re really nice chances and hopefully our best chance of getting a winner this carnival.”
Hayes said depending on their performances on Saturday, Zayydani may head to the Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) at Caulfield on November 27 while Mimi’s Award could be a contender for the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) the following week.