Damien Batters reveals $2m Blue Diamond Stakes aim with Party For Two

Small trainer Damien Batters says “it’s surreal” as he prepares to send his superstar filly and comeback jockey Nikita Beriman to Melbourne for the $2m Blue Diamond Stakes.

Sunshine Coast racing trainer Damien Batters. Picture: Patrick Woods

Sunshine Coast trainer Damien Batters has revealed his Victorian ambitions as he prepares to send his standout two-year-old filly Party For Two to Melbourne for the $2m Blue Diamond Stakes.

The daughter of Sidestep has produced two wins from three career starts after breaking her maiden campaign with a seven and a half length victory at the Sunshine Coast and a dominant first place at Doomben on January 21.

Batters said it was her win in Metropolitan grade that helped him make the decision to send her to the Blue Diamond Prelude.

“We had a chat after her first win but after Doomben we shifted our focus to Sydney or Victoria,” he said.

“We contemplated for a bit but ultimately thought when these two year olds come along they’re few and far between so have decided to go for it.”

Party For Two too speedy for them at Doomben!

One to watch for Damien Batters. 👀 pic.twitter.com/ewrjNKB8Pl

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) January 21, 2023

Party For Two will run in the Blue Diamond Prelude over 1100m before hopefully competing in the Blue Diamond over 1200m at Sandown on February 25.

Batters, who also works as stable foreman for David Vandyke, said he came in contact with Party For Two after failing to acquire another runner through Bloodstock Auctions.

“There was a horse on Bloodstock Auctions that I rang Telamon Stud about and Dan (Fletcher) wasn’t sure if it was going to get its reserve,” he said.

“We ended up chatting about another little filly (Party For Two) that was passed in at the Capricornia Sales and the Magic Millions.

“He was keen to send her my way and she came in with a lot of personality.

“She was thriving, had a jumpout and a trial and took plenty away from her first run as a horse that wants to learn and improve.”

Sunshine Coast racing trainer Damien Batters at his Valdora stables. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Batters said he and jockey Nikita Beriman were excited for the coming weeks.

“It’s a massive buzz at the moment which myself, the owners and our supporters are all enjoying,” he said.

“To have a runner like this when we’ve only got four two-year-olds in the stables is quite surreal.

“Those big stables have got 20, 60, 100 two-year-olds to choose from so for us to get the little horse that no one wanted and for it to take us on a journey down to Melbourne, it’s a great story.”

“Win, lose or draw we’ll be proud because she’s going to be competitive.”