It seems like only yesterday that Away Game was actively participating in sprint races across Australia’s eastern seaboard.
Away Game triumphed in the 2020 Magic Millions 2YO Classic held at the Gold Coast and was subsequently retired after finishing last in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley in September 2022, having accumulated five victories and 11 minor placings from 26 starts.
Lady Catalina, the inaugural foal of Away Game and a yearling purchased for $1.8 million by Written Tycoon, is slated for her fifth start this Saturday. This event will mark her debut in Melbourne, competing in the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.
Lady Catalina’s developmental trajectory has not been as swift as that of Away Game; she commenced her racing career in March with a maiden win at Newcastle before eventually competing in Brisbane during the winter carnival.
Upon returning to Ciaron Maher’s Sydney training facilities, Lady Catalina was prepared for her comeback run through a trial at Warwick Farm on August 4, before being transferred to Maher’s Ballarat stable last weekend.
Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, confirmed that Lady Catalina underwent a workout at Ballarat on Tuesday to ready her for Saturday’s contest.
“She’s a winner and is Stakes placed and had a gallop at Ballarat on Tuesday, and she seems to be in very good form,” Turnbull said.
Considering her breeding, the Maher team is keen to secure a Black Type victory for Lady Catalina.
Turnbull indicated that the filly would be targeted towards fillies’ Black Type races in the weeks ahead and, if her form supported it, a potential entry into the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week.
He remarked that the Saturday race represents a favourable starting point.
“It’s usually a good form line type of race,” Turnbull commented.
“It could be a Coolmore preparation for some, or they could go down the filly’s path.”
The Maher stable has not made a final decision regarding Ghana’s Akan’s participation in Saturday’s race, given her draw from gate 18 in a 19-horse field.
“We drew wide first-up, and she did a bit of work. She was good, without being brilliant,” Turnbull stated.
“It’s disappointing (the draw), you either go back or try to blend in, that’s if we’re taking part.”
For those interested in the betting markets for the race, exploring Australian betting sites would be a prudent step.
