Blue Diamond Stakes favourite Tulip is among the nominations for the Group 3 $150,000 Blue Diamond Preview (Fillies) (1000m) at Caulfield on Thursday.
The Lindsay Park trained Tulip was installed the $9 favourite at Ladbrokes.com.au for the Group 1 $1.5m Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 25 after scoring an impressive debut win in a 1000m 2yo Plate at Moonee Valley on December 31.
“We’ve always thought she was very good,” co-trainer David Hayes said.
“She’s a big type of filly physically and she’s got a big action to match.
“She’s right up with our better two-year-olds. Both her and Catchy to come from last in their first races were both really good efforts.
“I think both horses are ideal Blue Diamond types.”
Also among the nineteen fillies nominated for the Blue Diamond Preview is the Darren Weir trained last start winner Limestone who was too slick down the Flemington straight for Thursday’s rival Miss Wahoo and the high profile daughter of Black Caviar, Oscietra, in the $80,000 New Year Plate (1000m for the fillies on January 1.
Cranbourne trainer Robbie Griffiths has nominated six fillies for the Blue Diamond Preview with Zarpoya the only one that has raced for a third to Arctic Angel in the Listed $120,000 Thoroughbred Club Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on November 12.
Griffiths other five entries are all first starters – Chateau Griffo, Cherief’s Choice, No Alibi, Something Violet and Undoubtable Miss.