Lindsay Park is looking to Dibayani to go one better than his close second at his last attempt over the famous mile course at Randwick.
During the spring the Irish-bred galloper was nosed out in the Group One Epsom Handicap and on Saturday returns to contest the Group Two Villiers Stakes.
Dibayani has been winless since joining the Lindsay Park stable of David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig after beginning his career in Ireland followed by a stint in Hong Kong.
However Dibayani has produced some top performances and along with his narrow defeat by Hauraki in the Epsom, ran second to champion mare Winx in Group One company last autumn.
A gallop right-handed at Benalla last week convinced the stable Dibayani was ready for his assault on the 1600m race.
“He had a nice gallop the reverse way,” Dabernig said.
“He seems in really good order and often runs well off a bit of time between runs.
“We tried that fresh down the straight during the carnival which he still ran well in but I think he needs that little bit of extra ground.
“That form out of the Epsom has turned out really good.
“I would have to think he’s got a very good chance.”
Dibayani, one of 23 entries for the Villiers which include the 2014 winner Rudy, is the $9.50 third favourite in first markets headed by Fabrizio $3.50 from Hazzabeel $8.
Joining Dibayani at Randwick is three-year-old stablemate Magnetar to run in the Inglis Sprint over 1100m.
The winner of his first two starts, Magnetar has since filled placings at Moonee Valley and Sandown.
“He’s got a bit of small form here in Melbourne and is going up for the Inglis sprint race on Saturday,” Dabernig said.
“He’s lightly raced with good form and the race is worth good money.
“It’s worth having a go at.”
Damien Oliver has been booked to ride both Lindsay Park runners.
The stable’s leading two-year-old Madeenaty worked with Magnetar at Benalla last week in a pleasing gallop.
Madeenaty is to run in the Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic on her way to the Gold Coast and will be joined by Dam Ready who will contest the Magic Millions Wyong 3&4YO Classic on December 22.
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au
