Melbourne, February 24 – Outstanding Catbird filly Catechuchu covered herself in glory when she defied boom colt Haradasun to post a surprise win in the Group Three MRC Schweppes Cup over 1400 metres at Caulfield on Saturday.
Ridden a brilliant tactical race by Craig Williams from barrier one, Catechuchu was always handy and then kicked brilliantly at the top of the straight with Haradasun unable to bridge the gap in time, going down by a length.
“We were confident that she’d run well, but thought Haradasun would probably be too good,” said winning trainer David Hayes.
“Catechuchu has been racing since early August and been to Sydney and Perth, now she’s beaten a couple of very good colts, so all credit to her.”
Catechuchu has now won three of her last four starts and the arduous schedule is obviously agreeing with the filly, whose overall record now stands at four wins and six placings from 15 starts with earnings of $470,000.
Purchased by renowned judge Mark Pilkington for $50,000 from the draft of Collingrove Stud at the 2005 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Catechuchu is from the Dahar (USA) mare Noble Fleur, a half-sister to Group Three winner Toy Image and stakes-winner and stakes producer Lucky Witch.
Her yearling full sister was sold by Swettenham Stud at the 2007 Magic Millions Yearling Sale for $410,000 to international agent Adrian Nicoll, which was a record price for a Catbird yearling sold at public auction.
Golden Slipper winner Catbird has six yearlings entered for the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale in Melbourne and one for the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
