The fillies are set to play a key role in the $1m Arrowfield Stud Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m, G1) after the stunning debut win of Psychologist at Caulfield on Saturday.
The
Tony Vasil-trained filly scooted over the 1100-metre journey in a class record 1:02.67 to claim the Group 3 $125,000 Blue Diamond Fillies Prelude.
Whilst her mark was lowered 35 minutes later by
Beneteau in the Colts & Geldings Prelude (1100m, Group 3), the authority of
Psychologist’s win cannot be underestimated.
The $6.50 chance jumped straight to the front for jockey
Mark Zahra and cleared out to score by 4.3 lengths from
She’s Got Gears ($5.50) and
Jalsah ($11) who fought out a photo for second.
Her win came 11 days after
Crystal Lilly sizzled around the same track when winning the Blue Diamond Fillies Preview (1000m, Listed).
Vasil said he expected a big debut performance from the Hong Kong-owned filly, especially after her trackwork earlier in the week.
“I jumped her on Tuesday and just went ‘wow’,” he said. “She’s always shown good ability, but just the last four weeks she’s kept getting better and better.”
“I was pretty happy this morning when I walked the track and it had a little give in it too.”
Despite her inexperience Vasil believes Psychologist has the constitution and ability to be a key player in the Blue Diamond showdown at Caulfield on 20 February.
“It’s a fortnight away and she’s pretty laid back so I don’t see a reason why she can’t cope,” he said.
“She’s just come out and beaten the best fillies around, except for Crystal Lilly, so on that run she looks like she’s right in the mix.”
Psychologist will be out to emulate the deeds of super sire Redoute’s Choice who won the Blue Diamond in 1999 at just his second start.