Formality Wins Blue Diamond Stakes

Formality Runs Perfect Blue Sapphire Stakes 

On Wednesday, David Hayes-trained filly Formality lived up to the promise she showed returning from a spell with two consecutive Group 2 wins over 1200m at Randwick in August and September, when she and jockey Kerrin McEvoy powered through a strong field of nine 3-year-olds to win the Gr. 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield.

McEvoy blames himself for Formality’s disastrous 11th of 14 finish in the 1400m Gr. 1 Golden Rose a month ago, but he got the ride right brilliantly once the distance reverted to the Blue Sapphire’s 1200m, confirming the 3-year-old’s potential as a champion sprinter.

Formality jumped off joint favourite at $3.90 with Jukebox, after the colt trialled well at Cranbourne on his return from a spell. However, the filly had the advantage starting in Barrier 4, while Jukebox jumped off from Barrier 9 on the offside rail.

It was enough of an edge to give Formality the win by a long neck, with Jukebox racing too hard at the start and relegated to second. Mick Price-trained colt Lone Eagle, out of Irish sire Zoffany, was a long shot at the post, on $31.00. Jockey Dwayne Dunn steered him to a surprise third, 1.25 lengths behind Formality.

Derby Day Next Up for Formality

Formality’s next start will be the Gr. 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes on Victoria Derby Day at Flemington on 4 November. It’s another 1200m sprint, and if the filly is allowed to set her own pace, as was the case in the Blue Sapphire, she’s going to be a strong contender.

She’ll be joining stablemates Catchy and Tulip for the Coolmore, and she could well have McEvoy in the stirrups again. The 36-year-old champion jockey has more than 40 Gr. 1 victories worldwide on his record, and he added The Everest to his win tally in its inaugural running at Randwick on 14 October.

In stud news, Formality has a 2-year-old full brother by sire Fastnet Rock and Japanese dam Jolie’s Shinju. He’ll be auctioned as Lot 174 in the NZB Ready to Run sale of 2-year-olds on 22-23 November, and his trial times to date should see him attract some competitive bidding.

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More About Gary Hicks

When it comes to knowing what’s going on, on the track, field or any other sporting arena, Gary Hicks is your man. With an almost unrivalled passion for journalism, sports and betting Gary decided to combine his love of all 3 and share his expertise with the world.
In the last few years Gary has risen through the ranks and prides himself on always keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s hot and happening in the sports betting world. Gary is the resident news expert at OnlineBettingNZ.co.nz and his articles make for invaluable fodder for any avid punter.

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