Closer To Free has thrust himself into Blue Diamond Stakes calculations with a debut success at Caulfield over the weekend.
Having impressed in a Caulfield Heath heat last month for trainer Adrian Corboy, Danny O’Brien purchased Closer To Free post-trial and unleashed him in Saturday’s Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) restricted to colts and geldings.
Priced at up to $201 initially for the Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) on February 21 at Caulfield, the colt’s resolute win has seen him shorten to $7 second choice.
Handler Danny O’Brien contemplated bypassing this race for the Talindert Stakes (1100m) at Flemington the following Saturday, but sharp session on Wednesday altered that plan for the promising two-year-old.
With Michael Dee at the helm leading all the way, Closer To Free ($13) prevailed by a length against $2.20 top pick Guest House, Eternal Warrior ($6) third by a short-head.
O’Brien rated Closer To Free highly even before his trial exertions.
“I saw him in the mounting yard before the trial because I had one in it and Adrian is one of the best, if not the best, breakers and he does all of our yearlings,” O’Brien said.
“I asked him what he was doing down here and he said he was trialling this one with the potential to sell him.
“Before the horse left the mounting yard after the trial, I walked back with him and saw how easily he’d taken it. As Adrian was hosing the horse down, I bought him.
“He’s a beautiful colt and he’s got a proper pedigree. With Street Boss, his first three dams were all two-year-old stakes winners, so there is plenty to like about him.”
Clinton McDonald’s Streisand has climbed to $9 on the fourth rung of Blue Diamond betting following her win in the fillies’ Prelude division.
Ridden positively by Jamie Melham, the $3 fancy Streisand scored by three-quarters of a length from $51 outsider Chayan, with I Am Aria ($7.50) close up third, a short-neck away.
After a luckless run when unplaced in the Blue Diamond Preview (1000m), Melham ensured a trouble-free trip up front this occasion.
McDonald and Melham teamed for Diamond glory two years ago courtesy of Hayasugi, although Ben Melham is poised to take the mount in a couple of weeks.
“She’ll go a long way in the Diamond,” McDonald said.
“I think she’s got the right mental aptitude for it and the toughness. I’ve said all the way along she’s a bit like Hayasugi, understated, tough.
“This one has a bit more bitch about her, I suppose, a bit more temperamental whereas Hayasugi was a sweetheart.
“We’re happy to put up with her and we’re looking forward to the next two weeks.”
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The post Blue Diamond Stakes picture reshaped after Preludes first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
