Blue Diamond Day at Caulfield
February 21st 2010 23:08
An exciting day of racing took place at Caulfield on Saturday.
Neil Murray was in attendance to capture photographs of all the action.
(all photos by Neil Murray) Click photo for enlargement
The Group One Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) - Melbourne's feature 2 year old event - was won by the exciting Starcraft colt Star Witness - who stormed home from last to snatch the prize from the brave (Redoute’s Choice filly) Shaaheq who appeared set to win when she ran clear in the straight. In third position was favourite Beneteau (a Redoute’s Choice colt) who came with the winner in a late rush. The colts in particular appear very likely to train on as 3 year olds.
Another feature race was the Group Two St George Stakes run over 1800m at WFA. The surprise (for many) was the victory by $21.00 outsider La Rocket who stalked the moderate early pace set by Pacino before taking over before turning and defying all - including short-priced favourite Heart Of Dreams - to run him down in the straight.
La Rocket is a beautifully bred 5 year old gelding by Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE) out of La Bella Dama (NZ) (herself a multiple Group Winner in Australia & New Zealand including the Group One VRC Mackinnon Stakes of 2001).
This result was no surprise to me as the stunning chestnut had best recent speedfigures going into this feature event and was top rated horse on Speedratings
Champion 3 year old colt Denman won the Group Two Autumn Stakes (1400m) and continued his effortless and unbeaten run this Autumn with another brilliant win. His ability matches his looks and he remains a short-priced favourite to win the feature 2010 Australian Guineas - quoted today at $1.38. The only other runner under double figures - at $4.80 - being the impressive filly Set For Fame who won on the same program in the Group Two Angas Armanasco Stakes (1400m).
The Group One Oakleigh Plate (1100m) was won by Starspangledbanner in a close photo - beating dead-heaters Here De Angels and Arinos by a nose. Here De Angels was unlucky after being unable to gain clear running in the early part of the straight. Starspangledbanner will soon leave Australia after trying to win the big sprint double of the Oakleigh Plate and Newmarket Handicap (1200m). He will be then trained in Ireland by Aidan O'Brien before going to stud.
Neil Murray was in attendance to capture photographs of all the action.
La Rocket on his way to victory
(all photos by Neil Murray) Click photo for enlargement
La Rocket parading before the race
The Group One Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) - Melbourne's feature 2 year old event - was won by the exciting Starcraft colt Star Witness - who stormed home from last to snatch the prize from the brave (Redoute’s Choice filly) Shaaheq who appeared set to win when she ran clear in the straight. In third position was favourite Beneteau (a Redoute’s Choice colt) who came with the winner in a late rush. The colts in particular appear very likely to train on as 3 year olds.
Denman continues on his winning way
Another feature race was the Group Two St George Stakes run over 1800m at WFA. The surprise (for many) was the victory by $21.00 outsider La Rocket who stalked the moderate early pace set by Pacino before taking over before turning and defying all - including short-priced favourite Heart Of Dreams - to run him down in the straight.
La Rocket is a beautifully bred 5 year old gelding by Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE) out of La Bella Dama (NZ) (herself a multiple Group Winner in Australia & New Zealand including the Group One VRC Mackinnon Stakes of 2001).
This result was no surprise to me as the stunning chestnut had best recent speedfigures going into this feature event and was top rated horse on Speedratings
Champion 3 year old colt Denman won the Group Two Autumn Stakes (1400m) and continued his effortless and unbeaten run this Autumn with another brilliant win. His ability matches his looks and he remains a short-priced favourite to win the feature 2010 Australian Guineas - quoted today at $1.38. The only other runner under double figures - at $4.80 - being the impressive filly Set For Fame who won on the same program in the Group Two Angas Armanasco Stakes (1400m).
Set For Fame races up to win - next a meeting with Denman
The Group One Oakleigh Plate (1100m) was won by Starspangledbanner in a close photo - beating dead-heaters Here De Angels and Arinos by a nose. Here De Angels was unlucky after being unable to gain clear running in the early part of the straight. Starspangledbanner will soon leave Australia after trying to win the big sprint double of the Oakleigh Plate and Newmarket Handicap (1200m). He will be then trained in Ireland by Aidan O'Brien before going to stud.
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