Diameter and Somethings Burnin' go head-to-head in Stutt Stakes
Chris Waller's potential Caulfield Guineas contenders, colts Diameter and Somethings Burnin', battled for supremacy in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes at Caulfield on Sunday.
Champion jockey James McDonald piloted Diameter through a tight passage in the closing stages to snatch a narrow victory over his stablemate.
The son of Brazen Beau edged out Somethings Burnin', by Too Darn Hot, in a thrilling three-way finish.
The Stutt Stakes served as a crucial audition for the Caulfield Guineas for both colts, and Waller was pleased with their strong showings.
"They're two nice horses," Waller commented.
"He (Diameter) showed us in the autumn that he's up to the better horses.
"He means a bit to us being a son of Brazen Beau, so it is good to have him for Godolphin.
"He (Somethings Burnin') is a work-in-progress and he still gets a bit keen.
"We wanted to try him over a mile to see where he's at but he's likely a prep away so there's a lot to look forward to."
Diameter, the $3.20 second elect, won by a short-head from Somethings Burnin' ($8), with Scarole ($10) from the Ciaron Maher stable a head further back in third.
This was Diameter's second Stakes triumph, following his win in the Listed Fernhill Stakes (1600m) during the autumn, and his previous Group 1 placings in the Champagne Stakes behind Fireball and Campione D'Italia.
McDonald highlighted Diameter's fighting spirit when the pressure mounted.
"It looked a bit dicey at the top of the straight, to be fair, but I had a willing partner to get us through that," McDonald stated.
"He was superior and he did a really good job.
"There's a good race in a couple of weeks here for him and it has Group 1 next to its name, so I could definitely see him figuring in that.
"He's on the way up."
Diameter's quote for the $3 million Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 10 was firmed to $11, and he is the same price for the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick two weeks later. Consider the latest betting markets for the race to get involved.
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