The Clinton McDonald and Shane McGrath partnership further cemented its status as a juvenile force on Saturday, securing a second Blue Diamond Stakes victory in three seasons. Under the Caulfield sun, the Magnus filly Streisand displayed immense grit to take out the 1200-metre feature, officially marking her arrival as the premier two-year-old of the Australian turf.
Starting at double-figure odds despite her Prelude success a fortnight earlier, Streisand had been respected but not universally embraced. By the end of the afternoon, there was no ambiguity. Racing three-wide for much of the journey, she absorbed the pressure and still found resolutely in the straight, edging clear to defeat Classic Yearling Sale graduate Closer To Free in a G1 quinella for sale graduates.
It was a performance defined by grit. While others enjoyed economical runs, Streisand travelled without cover yet never flinched. McDonald later described her as the most seasoned runner in the race — Saturday marked her fifth start — and she carried herself in the mounting yard with the composure of an older horse.
“We’d loved her from the moment we saw her,” McGrath said, recalling her inspection at Oaklands 12 months earlier. “She was strong, powerful, and had that presence about her.”
Purchased for $100,000 from Northmore Thoroughbreds at last year’s Premier Yearling Sale, Streisand had earlier been secured as a weanling for $22,000. The filly’s rise from modest beginnings to Group 1 glory underlines the enduring appeal of patient horsemanship and astute selection.
The scenes post-race were exuberant. A large ownership group packed into the mounting yard, celebrating a victory that felt deeply shared. “It was like a grand final,” McDonald said. “She did it the tough way and she deserved it.”
This Blue Diamond Stakes result arrives on the eve of the upcoming Premier Yearling Sale, lending added intrigue to several related lots catalogued for the sale. Northmore Thoroughbreds will present a draft of 12 yearlings, while a Star Witness colt closely related to Streisand is also set to attract attention.
Elsewhere on the Caulfield card, the quality continued to build.
Sheza Alibi resumed with authority in the Group 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes, overcoming traffic to win with ease. The Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained filly has now won five of eight starts and shapes as a leading autumn contender.
Bossy Benita secured valuable black type in the Group 3 Mannerism Stakes, leading throughout to give trainer Michael Mehegan a deserved stakes success. Single Choice delivered trainer Matt Cumani his biggest triumph when claiming the Group 2 Autumn Classic, while veteran Magnaspin surpassed the $1 million prizemoney mark with victory in the Listed Victoria Gold Cup.
Beyond Melbourne, juvenile talent was also on display. At Rosehill, Stretan Ruler emerged as a significant prospect with a dominant win in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes, positioning himself for a tilt at the Golden Slipper next month.
In Adelaide, Rebel Tuesday captured the Listed Cinderella Stakes, Eventually landed the Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes, and Power Beau added the Listed City Of Marion Stakes to his record. Across the Tasman, That’s Gold staked his claim for the New Zealand Derby with an authoritative victory in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas at Ellerslie.
Yet it was the Blue Diamond Stakes result that resonated loudest. Streisand’s determined display not only affirmed her class but reinforced the value of experience, resilience and careful placement in elite juvenile racing.
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