It feels like only yesterday that Away Game was competing in sprint races across Australia’s eastern seaboard.
Away Game secured the 2020 Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast and was retired following a last-place finish in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley in September 2022. She concluded her career with five wins and 11 minor placings from 26 starts.
The initial offspring of Away Game, the $1.8 million yearling acquisition by Written Tycoon, Lady Catalina, is set to make her fifth career start on Saturday. This will be her first outing in Melbourne, contesting the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.
Lady Catalina’s development hasn’t been as rapid as her dam’s, Away Game. She debuted in March with a maiden victory at Newcastle before progressing to Brisbane during the winter carnival.
Back at Ciaron Maher’s Sydney training establishment, Lady Catalina was prepared for her return with a Warwick Farm trial on August 4. She then made her way to Maher’s Ballarat stable last weekend.
Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, mentioned that Lady Catalina had a workout at Ballarat on Tuesday to get her ready for Saturday’s race.
“She’s a winner and is Stakes placed and had a gallop at Ballarat on Tuesday, and she seems to be in very good form,” Turnbull said.
Given her pedigree, the Maher team is aiming to secure a Black Type victory for Lady Catalina.
Turnbull indicated that the filly would be aimed at fillies’ Black Type races in the upcoming weeks and, if her form justified it, a potential start in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week.
He commented that Saturday’s event represents a solid starting point.
“It’s usually a good form line type of race,” Turnbull stated.
“It could be a Coolmore preparation for some, or they could go down the filly’s path.”
The Maher stable remains undecided about whether Ghana’s Akan will participate in Saturday’s race, given she drew barrier 18 in the 19-horse field.
“We drew wide first-up, and she did a bit of work. She was good, without being brilliant,” Turnbull explained.
“It’s disappointing (the draw), you either go back or try to blend in, that’s if we’re taking part.”
Those keen to place a wager can find competitive racing odds at leading Australian betting sites.
