It feels like only yesterday that Away Game was actively competing in sprint races across the eastern seaboard of Australia.
Away Game secured victory in the 2020 Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast and was retired after her final run, which saw her finish last in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley in September 2022. Her racing record comprised five wins and 11 minor placings from 26 starts.
Lady Catalina, the first foal produced by Away Game and a yearling purchased for $1.8 million by Written Tycoon, is set to make her fifth career start this Saturday. This will be her inaugural appearance in Melbourne, contesting the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.
Lady Catalina’s progression has not been as rapid as Away Game’s; she debuted in March with a maiden victory at Newcastle before participating in Brisbane during the winter carnival.
Following her return to Ciaron Maher’s Sydney training headquarters, Lady Catalina was prepared for her comeback race via a trial at Warwick Farm on August 4, prior to her relocation to Maher’s Ballarat stable last weekend.
Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, confirmed that Lady Catalina engaged in a workout at Ballarat on Tuesday to prepare her for Saturday’s event.
“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.
With her breeding pedigree, the Maher team’s objective is to achieve a Black Type victory for Lady Catalina.
Turnbull noted that the filly would be aimed at fillies’ Black Type races in the coming weeks and, if her form warranted it, a potential start in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week.
He added that the race on Saturday represents a good launching point.
“It’s usually a good form line type of race,” Turnbull remarked.
“It could be a Coolmore preparation for some, or they could go down the filly’s path.”
The Maher stable has not yet confirmed if Ghana’s Akan will take her place in Saturday’s race, due to drawing 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 elaborated.
“It’s disappointing (the draw), you either go back or try to blend in, that’s if we’re taking part.”
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