Father and daughter training duo Ken and Kasey Keys have a decision to make in the coming days after Alibaba’s impressive win in the Listed Blue Diamond Preview for colts and geldings at Caulfield.

Although not originally nominated for the $2 million Group 1 feature on February 21, the Keys camp still has the option of paying a late entry fee to keep Alibaba in contention.

“He has really settled down this prep,” Kasey said.

“He wasn’t the easiest early on but he has been gaining confidence every day.

“We’ve always known that he has the motor but it has just been a matter of him putting it together.”

Purchased at the 2025 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Alibaba also has the $2 million Inglis Millennium (1100m) at Randwick on February 7 as an alternative target.

“He handled everything like an absolute professional,” jockey Craig Newitt said.

“He began well and once he got a half-length in front he wandered around a little bit but next time I think if we ride him a bit more conservative then you’ll see his big finish.”

The son of 2020 Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) winner Alabama Express out of former Yulong mare Rowsthorn, Alibaba had previously finished third in the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m).

He defeated Milsons Point by a neck in a slick 58.70 seconds, with stablemate Invicto unlucky in third after striking interference.

Despite not being nominated, Alibaba has firmed into $15 for the Blue Diamond Stakes.

Those following the Blue Diamond form can assess the latest betting markets for the race ahead of the Group 1.

The post Open sesame for Alibaba after Blue Diamond Preview breakthrough first appeared on Just Horse Racing.