Progressive juvenile Torture could cement her Karaka Millions ambitions with a strong showing in Saturday’s Geelong Diamond (1100m).
The Lindsay Park-trained filly, a winner of the Listed Debutant Stakes (1000m), is being aimed at the $1 million juvenile classic at Ellerslie on January 24 following a convincing victory in October, when she beat Free Flying by a half-length, with subsequent Group 3 winner Tornado Valley close behind.
Tornado Valley, trained by Ciaron Maher, is also in strong early Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) market at the Gold Coast on January 17.
In Saturday’s Geelong Diamond, Torture is currently a $5.50 third elect behind Ghana’s Akan ($3.10) and Moana Spirit ($4.80), and she trialled well last month in preparation for the assignment.
Co-trainer Ben Hayes said the filly continued to please at home.
“We’ve got (apprentice) Jackson Radley on, taking three kilograms off, and we’re very happy,” Hayes said. “Her first trial was very easy … she responded very well with the winkers on (won second trial) … she’s a bit of a lazy horse in trackwork.
“The winkers really wake her up and I do like those styles of horses that wake up race day and hopefully she does that again this Saturday. We really like her. The Geelong Diamond is a nice race to kick off in and it’s a nice race to bring her on and head to the Karaka Millions.”
Hayes, who trains in partnership with brothers JD and Will, added that the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on February 21 remains an option for Torture later in her spring campaign.
