Gentleman Roy chases third straight win in PB Lawrence Stakes which could result in stable clash with Mr Brightside

Rejuvenated galloper Gentleman Roy can earn a crack at stablemate Mr Brightside with a big run in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes on Saturday.

Lindsay Park allegiances could be torn with Gentleman Roy and Mr Brightside on a potential collision course.

A rejuvenated Gentleman Roy must win or run very well in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) on Saturday at Caulfield to be considered for the Group 1 Memsie Stakes on August 31.

Mr Brightside, back-to-back PB Lawrence winner, bypassed the race this year is to resume in the Memsie Stakes.

• Forecast rain to test Caulfield track

Trainer Ben Hayes said Gentleman Roy, a $7 chance with TAB on Saturday in the PB Lawrence, could also target the Memsie Stakes.

“If he wins on Saturday you’d obviously look at a race like the Memsie,” Hayes said.

“He’s done it before, raced against him (Mr Brightside), but that’s the race to look at, we’ll see how he runs.”

Stable favourites Mr Brightside and Gentleman Roy helped Ben and brother JD launch their then new Lindsay Park partnership in 2021.

Gentleman Roy has earned a return to the Group arena with back-to-back wins at Sandown and Flemington respectively.

The eight-year-old veteran of only 26 starts has a fitness edge on PB Lawrence favourite Pericles ($2.90) and Pinstriped ($6), while iron horse Munhamek ($6) also looms as a threat.

“It’s a good race for him, at his best, that run the other day was probably one of his better wins,” Hayes said.

“High pressure, picked up and really hit the line strong … he’s right and fresh, I think he’ll run really well.”

Gentleman Roy heads to the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes in winning form. Picture: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Hayes brushed off concerns of a potential Gentleman Roy speed duel with bold frontrunner Buffalo River.

“Last start a horse (Astero) went very hard and he sat off it, I think that would be something very similar,” Hayes said.

“They both have racing patterns that suit each other and they do need fast tempos, they’ll work it out, it will be a nice run race, good for the swoopers, a good race to watch I think.”

• Jamie Kah locks in ride for Group 1 Memsie Stakes

Gentleman Roy, a Group 3 and Listed winner, was first past the post in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes last year only to be relegated to second for interference caused in the concluding stages.

His form tapered off in subsequent starts and prompted Hayes, who trains with brothers JD and Will, to spell the stable favourite for an extended period.

“The whole team made the decision to give him a long break, he actually didn’t (get injured) but he just lost his action and it was a good year in the paddock,” Hayes said.

“To bring him and get him back in form was a big thrill for the whole team and hopefully can keep going, he has ‘won’ a Group 1, at his best he’s very good.

“He’s very fit, a happy horse, his action is great, I think he can be competitive (Saturday), he’s like a fine wine.”

Originally published as Gentleman Roy chases third straight win in PB Lawrence Stakes which could result in stable clash with Mr Brightside