Connections of General Beau are likely to give the colt another run before deciding whether to pay a late entry fee for the Group One Blue Diamond Stakes.
The youngster emerged as a genuine contender for next month’s juvenile feature with a strong performance to win the colts and gelding’s division of the Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) on Tuesday.
Ridden by leading jockey Jamie Kah, who brought up her 50th metropolitan win of the season, General Beau ($3.80) settled behind the speed and scooted through along the inside to score.
He won by a half-length over Extreme Warrior ($6), who fought on well after racing wide, with Gulf Of Suez ($3.40 fav) another length away.
Co-trainer Matthew Ellerton revealed General Beau was not nominated for the Blue Diamond, run at Caulfield on February 20, and would head to the Prelude on Saturday week before connections decided whether to pay the $55,000 late entry.
“He’s not in the Diamond. That’s the conversation we’ll have to have after we hopefully get through a Prelude with him,” Ellerton said.
“He has really matured up fantastic from the spring.
“He had a really good break and he was a bit shin sore after his last run. Touch wood, we’ve had a really faultless prep with him and hopefully he can make his way to a Prelude.”
