On a highly informative day of racing at Caulfield Catchy (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) laid down a marker with a gutsy win in the G2 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Prelude for fillies. The Hayes/Dabernig trained juvenile is now unbeaten in three outings and her performance in beating the smart Limestone (Aus) (Helmet {Aus}) by a short head in the 1100m event was enough for her to be promoted to favouritism for the G1 Blue Diamond S. Feb 25. “We haven't squeezed her to win this so I know there'll be gas in the tank come Blue Diamond day,” co-trainer David Hayes told Racing And Sports.
Craig Williams partnered Catchy and he also steered Property (Aus) (Starcraft {NZ}) to win the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude for colts & geldings shortly after. His chances for victory had been well advertised as he had previously chased home Catchy on his debut at Caulfied Jan. 7 before going on to win the Listed Blue Diamond Preview Jan. 26. His three quarters of a length victory over 'TDN Rising Star' Pariah (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}) will mean Craig Williams could face a difficult choice assuming both winners go forward for the big race in two weeks time in good shape. Speaking about his possible conundrum Williams said, “I'd like to wait until the barrier draw but obviously I can't wait that long. I'll have the opportunity to speak to connections of the horses and have the benefit of seeing how these horses pull up on Sunday.”
The Robert Smerdon trained Property however will have to be supplemented for the G1 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond S. at a cost of A$55,000. Connections of the runner up Pariah have not lost faith and jockey Kerrin McEvoy feels he can turn the tables with the winner in two weeks time. “He was an unlucky loser today, I feel,” McEvoy told Racing And Sports. “I think if you swap the barriers with the winner, we come out on top. He's going to be a force to be reckoned with on Diamond day.”
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