High Octane new G1 Blue Diamond favourite
Astute purchases by Newgate Farm and China Horse Club have shown good signs of delivering greater rewards as the Peter and Paul Snowden -trained High Octane and Holmes A Court ran first and second in the Listed Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) for colts and geldings at Caulfield.
Both debutants, High Octane was bought for $1,050,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale last April after being withdrawn from the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale in January 2023, while at that sale Holmes A Court – a colt by Capitalist – was bought for $850,000.
“They have both been terrific and not a lot between them in their work at home,” Peter Snowden said.
“I thought there would be a bit more in the finish of the race but I thought both colts ran exceptionally well.”
The win saw High Octane wound into favouritism at $5 with betting sites for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) on February 24.
Snowden believes that there is more to come from both horses, and especially from High Octane – a colt by Deep Field.
“He got lost a fair way out and lobbed around that corner but he showed his class late, he’s a talented horse and no doubt he’ll take a lot of benefit out of today.
“He travelled well to the gate although Holmes A Court got a bit revvy when we put the saddle on him but he was good before that.
“For High Octane, he’s a real professional.”
Both colts are expected to line up again in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) on February 10.
High Octane ($3.10 favourite) scored by a ¾-length margin from Holmes A Court ($21) with the Annabel Neasham-trained Innervisions ($3.90) three-lengths away in third.
The time of 57.94 seconds was 0.13 seconds quicker than the fillies division run earlier and won by Hayasugi.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...