Blue Diamond contender Coleman squares off against million-dollar filly Eneeza in Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes at Caulfield

The Blue Diamond aspirations of Coleman goes on the line when he takes on expensive filly Eneeza in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes at Caulfield.

Coleman was an impressive winner in the Debutant Stakes at Caulfield last October. Picture: Reg Ryan/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Blue Diamond contender Coleman is the colt they all need to get past in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) on Saturday at Caulfield.

While trainer Matt Laurie would rather a stalking position that equal favourite Eneeza, prepared by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, is likely to get the barrier draw has determined otherwise.

Eneeza opened $2.40 with TAB for the Blue Diamond lead-up and has largely maintained the quote during the week, easing slightly to $2.60 before a move back to the starting quote.

Coleman has attracted good support since the final field market opened last Wednesday, firming from $3.20 to $2.40.

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“We’re drawn handy (barrier two) and I’d presume if we’re not leading we’ll be outside something, depends what they do,” Laurie said.

“I’m very happy with our horse, he was a lovely horse himself as a yearling and we paid a bit of money for him ($550,000 colt) by first season sire in Pierata.

“She (Eneeza) was a gorgeous filly at the sales and her price tag ($1.1m) indicates just how good a type she is and she’s got a pedigree to match.

“She’s essentially a dual stakes winner and she’s probably going to get the run I would’ve preferred to have, more of a stalking role.”

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Coleman is an equal $8 third favourite for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) going into the Chairman’s Stakes with Eneeza at $11.

Laurie was happy to bypass the Magic Millions 2YO Classic last month to target the Chairman’s-Blue Diamond double.

“We said right from the beginning we preferred to keep him in Melbourne … the Chairman’s looks a very suitable race for him, with a three-week gap leading into it (Blue Diamond),” Laurie said.

“Obviously very excited about the weekend and seeing how he performs but second-up is the goal.”

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Coleman galloped at Caulfield last Tuesday with jockey Ben Melham in the saddle.

Melham won the Listed Debutant Stakes on Coleman last October.

“We’re happy with him,” Laurie said of Coleman’s progression.

“He’s had a couple of nice trials and his work was good on Tuesday.

“He’s spent the last couple of days down at the beach and he seems pretty happy with himself.

“Some real guns are starting to step out now so we’ll see where he lies, I don’t think he’s just a two-year-old, I think he’ll continue to furnish and improve, we’ve got a really lovely colt on our hands.”

Matt Laurie is confident Midtown Boss can win again on Saturday. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Laurie has short-priced favourite Midtown Boss in the second last race at Caulfield on Saturday also.

Midtown Boss won easily first-up for the stable at Flemington last start.

The gelding was transferred to Laurie at Mornington to benefit from the quieter surrounds and easy access to the beach after six starts, including two wins and three placings, for Flemington horsemen Mark and Levi Kavanagh.

“It was nothing the Kavanaghs did wrong … the horse needed a change of venue,” Laurie said.

“He’s going to be there to win again, everything looks pretty good for him.”

Scampi ($6) and Counteroffensive ($7.50) bring Sydney formlines to the Chairman’s Stakes.

Lindsay Park-trained colt Evaporate ($21) is the only unraced starter in the five-horse field.

Originally published as Blue Diamond contender Coleman squares off against million-dollar filly Eneeza in Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes at Caulfield