Streisand stamped herself as one of the nation’s leading juveniles with a decisive win in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday, claiming the $2 million feature in impressive fashion.
The Clint McDonald-trained filly travelled three-wide for much of the journey but proved too strong, defeating Closer To Free by 0.75 lengths.
In the wake of that breakthrough success, McDonald has confirmed the daughter of Magnus will head to Rosehill for the $5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m).
“I think we have to (run in the Slipper),” McDonald told SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up.
“It’s one of those ones – we all thought she’s a good filly, but maybe just off them. (However), the way that she won that race was dominant.
“And looking at the horses up in Sydney, it’s still very open. You’ve got Warwoven (as the) favourite (but) we still haven’t sighted him since the Magic Millions.
“The way she’s pulled up is fantastic, so why not?”
Giddy Up host Gareth Hall suggested Melbourne’s juveniles may currently hold the edge over their Sydney counterparts — a sentiment McDonald agreed with.
“Well, it was an eye-opener on Saturday, wasn’t it?” he said.
“It was a real eye-opener to say, ‘Well, hang on a minute, this might be a bit different to other years.’
“We’ll go straight to the Slipper. She’s got to go to the paddock for three or four days this week, and then she’ll come back and we’ll prep her up and get her ready for the Slipper.
“We don’t have to go up there and race (before the Slipper), she’s got the experience, she’s got the miles in the legs, it’s just a matter of keeping her happy and getting her up there safe and sound.”
McDonald previously attempted the Blue Diamond–Golden Slipper double with Hayasugi in 2024, but that filly finished last in the Slipper after her Caulfield triumph.
He believes Streisand’s versatility gives her a stronger chance of completing the double.
“I’ll tell you what can be different with this filly is that she’s more adaptable,” McDonald said.
“Hayasugi was a bit one dimensional – she used to get back and then swoop home.
“Whereas this filly, if she draws a barrier, she can use the barrier, where Hayasugi wouldn’t have been able to do that. (Streisand) can race forward, she can back.
“Hayasugi didn’t like the wet, but this filly does – she goes on wet or dry. Sometimes you can get a wet Slipper.”
Streisand is currently rated an $11 chance with Sportsbet for the Golden Slipper on March 21.
