Catchy firms into Blue Diamond favouritism after Prelude win
CRAIG Williams’ Blue Diamond decision might have been made easier when he guided Catchy to score an impressive Blue Diamond Prelude win.
The two-year-old filly was considered one of Williams’ best options ahead of February’s feature at Caulfield and it silenced any doubters with a stunning, albeit narrow win at Caulfield on Saturday.
Lindsay Park stated they wanted to ride Catchy back in the field as many Blue Diamond winners have come from off the pace, and the filly adapted perfectly by nabbing second favourite Limestone in the shadows of the post.
“I knew I got there, I just don’t know how close it was,” Williams said.
“She took a bit of work today. We had a nice run, presented her early and I could see the grey horse (Limestone) that pipped me last time in a photo getting along the inside.
“I asked her to flatten out, which was the first time she’s been put under that pressure.”
Williams had compared the daughter of Fastnet Rock to champion filly Miss Finland, but he’s glad it got the job done in style.
“When I was getting closer I said ‘c’mon, I said you were Miss Finland’, so I’m glad she prevailed,” Williams said.
“Have a look at her. She’s a girl, a two-year-old, built like a three-year-old boy, but she’s also sexy.”
Winning co-trainer Tom Dabernig believes the choice is obvious for Williams, who has ridden Catchy (+145 at CrownBet) in all three career wins.
“I will be intrigued to see what Craig will do, but you’d think he’d be mad to jump off her,” Dabernig said.
“Off that performance today you’d have to rate her at the top. Her form is excellent and it was an impressive win.”
Dabernig said the Blue Diamond distance will be ideal for the two-year-old, which is expected to contest the middle distances next preparation.
“I love her versatility,” Dabernig said. “Today he just rode her back with the winkers for the first time and she savaged the line.
“I think our filly is exceptionally good and I think the 1200m in the Blue Diamond will be right up her alley. I think in time, even further might be better again.”
Limestone lost no admirers in finishing second and with a better run the result might have been different. The Darren Weir-trained filly is currently $10 to win the Blue Diamond (not nominated) with Catchy the new favourite at +450 with Sportsbet.