Expensive yearling purchase to debut at Caulfield

The passage of time is evident, recalling when Away Game was a regular competitor in sprint races across the eastern seaboard of Australia.

Away Game claimed the 2020 Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast and was retired from racing after finishing last in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley in September 2022. Her record stood at five wins and 11 placings from 26 starts.

Lady Catalina, the first foal produced by Away Game and a $1.8 million yearling purchase by Written Tycoon, is scheduled to contest her fifth race on Saturday. This marks her maiden start in Melbourne, participating in the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.

Lady Catalina has not shown the same early speed as Away Game, making her debut in March with a victory in a Newcastle maiden race before heading to Brisbane for the winter carnival.

Following her return to Ciaron Maher's Sydney base, Lady Catalina underwent preparation for her comeback run via a Warwick Farm trial on August 4. Subsequently, she was transported to Maher's Ballarat stable last weekend.

Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, confirmed that Lady Catalina completed a workout at Ballarat on Tuesday in preparation for Saturday's engagement.

"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 stated.

With her impressive breeding, the Maher team is focused on achieving a Black Type victory for Lady Catalina.

Turnbull commented that the filly would be pointed towards fillies' Black Type races in the coming weeks. Should her performance warrant it, a potential start in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week is on the cards.

He added that the race on Saturday serves as a suitable launchpad.

"It's usually a good form line type of race," Turnbull remarked.

"It could be a Coolmore preparation for some, or they could go down the filly's path."

The Maher stable has not yet decided if Ghana's Akan will compete on Saturday, owing to her draw in barrier 18 of the 19-horse field.

"We drew wide first-up, and she did a bit of work. She was good, without being brilliant," Turnbull elaborated.

"It's disappointing (the draw), you either go back or try to blend in, that's if we're taking part."

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