Arran Bay will enjoy a clear run at Sandown on Saturday with stablemate Regal Azmon heading to Brisbane instead.

Trainer Phillip Stokes has chosen to only start Arran Bay in the Sportsbet Race Replays Handicap, bypassing a potential clash with Regal Azmon.

Regal Azmon is being aimed at the Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup (1800m) at Eagle Farm next weekend.

Arran Bay has twice run second to Regal Azmon this campaign.

Despite a hefty 8.5kg weight concession at Sandown on April 26, he was narrowly beaten, and again finished behind him in the Group 3 Bart Cummings (1600m) two weeks later, despite an 8kg swing.

Stokes admitted the latter result was a surprise, especially with Regal Azmon drifting in betting.

Back home at Pakenham, Arran Bay has trained well and will be ridden by Paul Gatt.

“Regal Azmon has got it all over him at the moment, but Regal Azmon won’t be there, so hopefully he gets his chance,” Stokes said.

The gelding has had four runs this prep, including a third in the Listed Golden Mile.

Stokes said some rain wouldn’t hurt and noted, “He’s a hard horse to place with his rating… so we’ll take it run by run.”