Lindsay Park will try to defy Newmarket Handicap history when Redkirk Warrior runs first-up in the Group One sprint at Flemington.

Redkirk Warrior will be joined by stablemate, Oakleigh Plate winner Sheidel, in the 1200m-race on Saturday.

A Group One placegetter in Hong Kong, Redkirk Warrior has had two starts for the Hayes=Dabernig training team since joining the stable last year.

After a first-up second at Moonee Valley, Redkirk Warrior was successful in the 1500m Sandown Stakes in November defeating Group One winner Stratum Star.

Tom Dabernig says Redkirk Warrior has been working well for his return run and he is expecting him to run a forward race, although he knows history is against him.

“There hasn’t been a horse win the Newmarket first-up for 90 years or something and he’s six-years-old,” Dabernig said.

“He’s had a couple of trials at Flemington and he’s been ticking along well.”

Dabernig said Redkirk Warrior underwent throat surgery following his Sandown win for an entrapped epiglottis.

He also said the gelding arrived from Hong Kong with feet issues.

“Our farrier has done a really good job on his feet,” Dabernig said.

“He’s probably the soundest he’s ever been.

Dabernig said Regan Bayliss was likely to take the ride.

Damien Oliver has swung onto Sheidel with Oakleigh Plate winning jockey Joao Moreira riding Flying Artie.

Oliver has ridden the mare on two previous occasions for a win in the Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield last April and a close second in the Winterbottom Stakes in Perth in November.

“She’s a winner down the straight and she’s pulled up really well after her Oakleigh Plate win,” Dabernig said.

“Joao had committed to Flying Artie before we knew what we were going to do but Ollie has a good record on her and he’s sure to give her a good ride.”

By Craig Brennan

MELBOURNE, March 5 AAP