Weatherly stamped himself as a potential 2016 Blue Diamond Stakes contender with a most impressive victory in the 2016 Talindert Stakes at Flemington this afternoon.
Weatherly was far too good for his rivals in the 2016 Talindert Stakes at Flemington this afternoon. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos
Weatherly missed the start for the second time in an as many starts and he was taken to the outside of the Flemington track by jockey Craig Williams in the early stages of the race, while the majority of the field raced up the inside.
The Beneteau colt tracked into the race without being asked by Williams and he proved far too strong for his rivals in the concluding stages to record a very impressive Talindert Stakes victory.
Williams said that Weatherly was bothered by the horse next to him in the gate, but he was brimming in praise for the two-year-old at the conclusion of the Talindert Stakes and is of the opinion that the juvenile is a very talented horse.
“He started a little bit awkward again today,” Williams said.
“The horse outside of me came in and got upset and he went to tell off the horse outside of him and then he wasn’t ready and came out slow.
“I let him rest and come down the middle of the track with the other two and it was pretty exciting.
“He has that x-factor and he could be special.
“He is a beautiful looking horse, he has a great temperament and most importantly he has great ability.
“It is very exciting going forward and they have decisions to make.”
Co-owner John Messara said that the entire team has always had a very high opinion of Weatherly and he was thrilled to see the colt produce that on the racetrack.
Messara said that the decision whether to run in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield next week will be left to the Chilean-based owner, but he indicated that the Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) may be a more likely option for the Talindert Stakes winner.
“Paul told me from the start that he was something very special,” Messara said.
“The one to rate against was Beneteau and he thought that he was every bit as good.
“That is quite an accreditation.
“The owner is a horsemen himself and we are going to let him make that decision.
“We will lay it all out in front of him and see what he wants to do.
“The Slipper has been the target for the owner and the Diamond is not far away.
“The Slipper just gives us some more time to teach this fella a little bit more.”
Extreme Choice is currently available at 2016 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes odds of $2.70 and is a narrow favourite from Flying Artie ($3.80), Concealer ($8), Samara Dancer ($8.50) and Star Turn ($13).
