Date posted February 17, 2010 | Posted by Michele Cullen | Filed under
Racing and BreedingMelbourne, Vic (Feb 17th, 2010) - Blue Diamond Prelude winners Beneteau and Psychologist are the favourites in early betting for Saturday’s $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) for two-year-olds at Caulfield.
The TAB is offering fixed odds betting on the race and has installed the Paul Messara-trained colt Beneteau (barrier 9), unbeaten in two starts, as the $3.60 favourite ahead of the Tony Vasil-trained Psychologist. The filly, who eased from $4.40 to $6.00 after drawing the outside barrier 16, will attempt to become the second horse to win the Blue Diamond at its second start in the 40 year history of the race.
Psychologist debuted in the fillies division of the Blue Diamond Prelude on 6 February and created a huge impression when she led to win by more than four lengths and in doing so ran quick time. Then, 35 minutes later, Beneteau scored his second win from as many starts when he beat General Truce by 2-1/2 lengths - in the Prelude for colts and geldings - and in doing so only a whisper quicker than the filly.
Beneteau is part owned by Arrowfield Stud who sponsor Saturday’s Blue Diamond while Psychologist is raced by the Hong Kong based Mr Raymond Ngai.
The filly needs to emulate the performance of 1999 Blue Diamond winner Redoute’s Choice to take the race at only her second career start. The now successful sire Redoute’s Choice did it Saturday to Saturday while Psychologist has had two weeks to recover from her debut effort.
“She came through that first run pretty well. And, besides, only one horse has won the Diamond after one run,” trainer Tony Vasil told Sport 927.
“She will benefit mentally from the experience of that first run and she’ll take some physical improvement from it as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, rival trainer Paul Messara concedes he’s a little nervous and approaching the race with cautious optimism.
“I’ve never had a favourite in a Group One race before. So I guess there’s a little pressure there and with young horses you just never know what can happen. But I’ve got to say I’m very happy with my horse. He’s done everything we’ve asked of him so far,” he said.
