The $2 million Five Diamonds is far from an afterthought for Lindsay Park runner Rise At Dawn, with his trainers confident the conditions of the race suit their gelding perfectly. The stable has deliberately targeted Saturday’s Rosehill feature, believing it aligns ideally with his profile and racing pattern.
Co-trainer Will Hayes said the race has been on the radar from early in the preparation, and a favourable draw has only boosted confidence.
“This was our spring grand final,” Hayes said.
“It’s an incredible race, the Five Diamonds, being restricted to five-year-olds at set weights and penalties.
“We felt it was the perfect profile for him, and we think he’s going to thrive at the 1800.”
Rise At Dawn has built an impressive record with eight wins from 20 starts and has acquitted himself strongly on both of his previous visits to Sydney.
He was beaten less than half a length when finishing fourth behind Stefi Magnetica in the Doncaster Mile (1600m) in April, and then led throughout before only being run down late when finishing second to Waterford in the Shannon Stakes (1500m) two starts back.
After that effort, Rise At Dawn was freshened and returned to run third in the Crystal Mile (1600m) on Cox Plate Day, where Hayes said the gelding didn’t appreciate the tighter turning layout of Moonee Valley.
Returning now to the roomier stretches of Rosehill is expected to play to his strengths.
“His run in the Doncaster was nothing short of exceptional and that’s going to stand him in pretty good stead,” Hayes said.
“The biggest thing we’re pleased about is drawing a tactically good barrier, and it should play to his advantage.
“We think his best runs are when he can roll and sustain a strong tempo, like he did first-up this spring when narrowly beaten by Café Millennium in the Tontonan Stakes.
“He didn’t quite handle the Valley as well as we hoped last start. He crabbed around the bend, and he’ll be much better suited to the bigger track.”
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