Two
years ago talented Choisir mare Psychologist burst on to the racing stage with
a blazing debut win in the Group III MRC Blue Diamond Prelude and at Caulfield
on Saturday she was back in top form with a fast finishing victory in the Group
III MRC Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes.
Prepared by Tony Vasil, Psychologist has been somewhat of a problem child in
the time that has elapsed since her exciting debut, but he's never doubted her
ability.
Not beaten far in recent starts, Vasil elected to put Craig Newitt on board for
this assignment, hoping the jockey's aggressive style would bring out her best.
Newitt allowed Psychologist (pictured www.stevehart.com.au) to settle back in the field and brought her to the
outside for her finishing run, which she obviously found to her liking.
She let down with a sizzling burst to round up the leaders and win the 1200
metre dash running away by the best part of two lengths, her overall record now
four wins from 16 starts with prizemoney of $277,613.
"I just thought we'd try a different style of rider this time and hope it would
make a difference," Vasil said.
"In the early days we thought she would be a very good horse when she blew them
away at her first start, but she's had niggling issues along the way since then
... bottom line though is she can gallop.
"She's consolidated herself as a broodmare in winning another Group III,
however it's a long time until she goes to a stallion next spring, so we'll be
hopeful she can win a few more races between now and then."
Another good stakes-winner bred and sold by Bylong Park Thoroughbreds, as are
Mosheen and Drieffontein, Psychologist was purchased for $120,000 from the 2009
Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale Session II.
A daughter of leading sire Choisir(pictured), Psychologist is one of two winners from the
Danzero mare Miss Conception, a half-sister to Group III winner Cute Emily, who
is also by Choisir.
Miss
Conception had no foal last year, but was covered by Choisir's best son
Starspangledbanner.
Bylong Park Thoroughbreds will offer the full brother to Psychologist at the
2012 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale as Lot 282. To see their full draft
click here.
