While the Group I MRC Blue Diamond takes centre stage at Caulfield for the juveniles, in Sydney the Group II ATC Silver Slipper (1100m) has also attracted a good field with light to be shed on a couple of key Waterhouse Bott trained colts in Espionage (James Harron Bloodstock) and Straight Charge (Yulong).
Both colts are first up from a spell and both have trialled to win in recent weeks The result of this clash will further test the Breeders Plate form with the third and fourth horses Prost and Fearless coming out to run the quinella in the Group III ATC Canonbury Stakes and the latter takes his place in the Blue Diamond on Saturday.
Zoustar colt Espionage won his heat at Rosehill on February 5 tuning up for his return following a debut win in the Group III ATC Breeders Plater last spring.
Written By colt Straight Charge was second in the Breeders Plate and then bolted in at his only start in December before a minor illness rules him out of the Magic Millions. He won his trial at Warwick Farm on February 12.
If you’ve been impressed with the trials of Snitzel colt Gatsby’s then keep an eye on the Canterbury 2YO maiden on Friday night as the Chris Waller trained colt has also accepted there.
