The Inglis graduates juvenile sweep was the defining storyline of a remarkable day of two-year-old racing, as graduates of the renowned sales company captured all three major juvenile features across Caulfield and Randwick, underlining the depth of emerging talent on offer this season.
At Caulfield, the spotlight fell firmly on the Blue Diamond Preludes, where colts and fillies alike delivered polished performances, while in Sydney the Listed Lonhro Plate added further weight to an extraordinary afternoon dominated by youthful promise and decisive execution.
Inglis Graduates Juvenile Sweep Begins with Closer To Free
The sequence began in the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude (Colts & Geldings), where debutant Closer To Free announced himself in emphatic fashion. Trained by Danny O’Brien, the Street Boss colt showed maturity beyond his experience, travelling comfortably before asserting his authority late to score with assurance.
The victory was notable not only for the performance but for the colt’s unusual path to the race. Just nine days earlier, Closer To Free had been trialling under former trainer Adrian Corboy, who had sourced him for $60,000 from the Classic Yearling Sale. O’Brien, impressed by what he observed that morning, completed the purchase on the spot, sending the colt to the races in new colours and with immediate expectations.
O’Brien was quick to point to the colt’s temperament and pedigree as key assets, noting his relaxed demeanour and strong two-year-old bloodlines. Those qualities were on full display as Closer To Free responded under pressure and finished his race off with purpose.
Streisand Shows Grit in Fillies Prelude
Forty minutes later, the G2 Blue Diamond Prelude (Fillies) added another chapter to the Inglis graduates juvenile sweep, with Streisand proving too strong in a fiercely contested finish.
Prepared by Clinton McDonald, the Magnus filly brought experience and resilience into play, having already tested herself at stakes level earlier in the season. That seasoning told late, as she dug deep to edge clear in the final stages.
Purchased for $100,000 at the Premier Yearling Sale, Streisand’s journey has been one of steady progression. McDonald highlighted her toughness and race awareness as decisive factors, particularly against less exposed rivals still finding their feet. It marked another significant juvenile success for the stable, which claimed the Blue Diamond with a similar graduate two seasons ago.
Agrarian Girl Completes the Sweep at Randwick
Sydney provided the final flourish as Agrarian Girl stamped her authority on the Listed Lonhro Plate at Randwick, completing the clean sweep of juvenile features.
The Tassort filly, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, made a winning debut after a late change of plans saw her bypass an easier assignment to target black-type company. The decision was rewarded as Agrarian Girl showed pace, balance and determination to secure victory.
Sourced for $280,000 from the Premier Yearling Sale, the filly was bred at Emirates Park and impressed her connections from the outset. Her performance suggested a bright future ahead, vindicating the confidence shown in pitching her straight into elite juvenile company.
Alpha Sofie Impresses on Return
The day’s quality extended beyond the two-year-olds, with three-year-old Alpha Sofie delivering a strong first-up performance in the G3 Peter Le Grand Stakes at Caulfield.
Trained by Ciaron Maher, the Capitalist filly continued her upward trajectory, recording the fourth win of her career from just five starts. Settling into her rhythm before finishing powerfully, Alpha Sofie looked every bit a filly poised for a productive autumn campaign.
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