Flying Artie powered home to win Saturday’s Group III Blue Diamond (C&G) Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield and gives trainer Mick Price a strong hand in the Blue Diamond stakes in a fortnight.
Flying Artie came from well back to win the male version of the Blue Diamond Prelude. Photo: Darryl Sherer
Flying Artie ($2.70) sustained a looping run around the field from the 600m to power home and defeat Star Turn ($7) by a short neck with China Dream ($26) a further 2 1/4-lengths back third.
Flying Artie ran marginally faster than the fillies one race earlier and trainer Mick Price said the son of Artie Schiller is a genuine chance in the Group I Blue Diamond.
“He was a bit revvy before the race, it was a hot day but he’s a big, strong horse and I’d say 1200m in the Blue Diamond will be right up his alley,” Price said.
“He’s usually a relaxed horse but he was a bit fresh today and it got to him I think.
“He didn’t settle all that good but from the barrier we wanted to ride him with two weeks in mind. If he had drawn a single figure barrier I’m sure he could have box-seated.
“If he can make the same sort of extended run he did today then he’s a red hot chance in the Blue Diamond.”
Price also trains the unbeaten Extreme Choice but would not be drawn on which of his colts would be his choice in the $1.5 million Blue Diamond Stakes on February 28.
“Today, I couldn’t split them. It’s a nice problem to have.” Price said.
Damien Oliver said Flying Artie was still learning how to race.
“It was a good effort. He’s a lovely, big scopey horse and has always shown us a lot of potential,” Oliver said.
“He knuckled down well to chase down the second horse and he’s got a great future.”
Like Price, Oliver would not be drawn on which colt he will ride in the Blue Diamond Stakes.
“I’ll wait and sleep on it before I make a decision. I’ll speak to Mick and analyse it,” Oliver said.
“They’re both great chances, Extreme Choice has got a lot of speed and this bloke has got potential to get over further and he’ll be strong at the end of it.”
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