Sydney two-year-old Beneteau moved a step closer to recouping his $1 million purchase price with a win in the $125,000 Arrowfield Stud Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
The son of 1999 winner Blue Diamond winner Redoute’s Choice justified his lofty price tag and burgeoning reputation with a fast finishing win in the Group 3 event.
His time of 1:02.45 sliced 0.22sec off the class record set 35 minutes earlier by
Psychologist in the Fillies Prelude and brought a smile to the face of trainer
Paul Messara.
The colt, who is part-owned by race sponsor Arrowfield Stud in conjunction with Blue Sky Thoroughbreds, is now two from two after his impressive debut win in Sydney on Australia Day.
Despite the quality of opposition that awaits, he shapes as the horse to beat in the $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m, G1) on 20 February at Caulfield.
“It was a fantastic run and I’m really excited to see him do it,” Messara said.
“It’s very exciting for the owners and Blue Sky Thoroughbreds too and a lot of fun to be here.”
Sent out a $4.60 chance with
Daniel Ganderton in the saddle,
Beneteau trailed up the leaders before exploding into the clear 200-metres from home and racing to a 2.5 length victory over
General Truce ($6).
A further 2.3 lengths away was regally bred debutant
Thegreatandgood ($31) who finished strongly from the tail to claim third off race favourite
Secession ($3.50).
Messara said the experience going the Melbourne way would prove invaluable for the main event in a fortnight and he predicted Beneteau would be equally as potent next start.