Blue Diamond prospect keeps unbeaten run intact at Caulfield
THE Hayes/Daberning-trained filly Catchy justified the short quote in the first race of the day at Caulfield on Saturday as the two-year-old’s preparation for the Blue Diamond Stakes continues.
The unbeaten filly extended its run to two straight victories after jumping well from the gate as a $1.70 favourite at Sportsbet.com.au.
Craig Williams positioned Catchy just off the speed in third place, and despite being pushed along just around the turn the promising filly booted clear in the latter stages to record a commanding win.
Second-placed Property bumped Catchy in the final 200m but still managed to hold on to return $2.10 at WilliamHill.com.au while Kedleston came through the field to finish third.
Jockey Craig Williams said the horse settled well early in the running but had to be scrubbed up to hit the front and ultimately salute.
“She jumped out nice and then got into a rhythm and dropped the bridle,” jockey Craig Williams said.
“I actually had to stoke her up a bit to get her on the bridle and stay in touch when we were straightening, but once she got balanced into the straight she was very dominant.”
Co-trainer Ben Hayes said he was pleased his horse was able to successfully negotiate the course it will tackle if they qualify for the Victoria’s richest two-year-old race.
“It was just great to see her run so well at Caulfield.” Hayes said.
“She’s just put them away, she’s on the Blue Diamond prep so it’s just great to see that improvement in her and hopefully she’s got more to come.”
Hayes confirmed the team will be hoping Catchy will attempt qualify via the Prelude path a fortnight before the Group one race, and had no doubts the filly will be able to handle the additional distance.
“We’re going the Prelude two weeks before the Blue Diamond. We’re headed that way.” Hayes confirmed.
“I thought she was strong through the line so I don’t see why she won’t be.”
Catchy has been a must-watch horse after Craig Williams placed enormous praise on the horse, comparing it to retired superstar Miss Finland.
Williams said in the aftermath of Saturday’s win that it may not have been ideal for the racing team to compare the two-year-old to the multiple Group one winner, but the veteran jockey believes Catchy has a bright future ahead of it.
“I’ve given her comparisons to Miss Finland, I think it’s pretty tough on her and the stable to put her under that much pressure… but I really like her and she’s done everything we’ve asked.”
“She’s got a lot more in store for later.”
Catchy is now on the second line of betting at $11 with Sportsbet for the Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on February 27.