The $300,000 Group II MVRC Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield on Sunday drew a competitive field of progressive 3YOs with the Chris Waller trained colts Diameter and Somethings Burnin’ fighting out the finish.
A stakes-winner last season at two in the Listed ATC Fernhill Mile and third in the Group I ATC Champagne Stakes, Diameter was stepping up to his preferred trip at his third run back from a spell.
Ridden by James McDonald, the son of Brazen Beau took a split between runners with 100m to run and went to the line a half head in front of his stablemate Somethings Burnin’, who made his run wider out.
James McDonald was full of praise for Diameter.
"Looked a bit dicey at the top of the straight, to be fair, but I had a willing partner to get us through that. He was superior and he did a really good job,” said McDonald.
"There's a good race (Caulfield Guineas) in a couple of weeks here for him and it has G1 next to its name so I could definitely see him figuring in that. He's on the way up.
"He's a dude. He's an absolute gentleman. He bounced well and travelled comfortably. If anything, a little bit quiet but he was there for me when I needed it.”
A homebred for Godolphin, Diameter has the overall record of two wins and two placings from nine starts with prizemoney topping $434,000.
A half-brother to Group I VRC Newmarket Handicap winner Cylinder and Group III winner Parisal, Diameter is the third stakes-winner among five winners from five foals to race from Group III winning Street Cry (IRE) mare Circular, who traces back to the family of champion racehorse and sire Lonhro.
Circular had not had a live foal since Diameter until this year and produced a colt by Too Darn Hot (GB) on August 18
Diameter is the first stakes-winner of the new season for I Am Invincible stallion Brazen Beau, who was also trained by Chris Waller.
He stands at Darley Victoria at a fee of $27,500 as does Cylinder, who is priced at $33,000.
