Mohave all class in Diamond Preview

Having finished second at his racetrack debut behind Denman colt Law in the Listed Breeders Plate in October, Exceed And Excel colt Mohave indicated that he is right on track for February's G1 Blue Diamond, recording a classy victory in the Listed Blue Diamond Preview (C&G) on 25 January at Caulfield.

Settling just in behind the leaders, jockey Chris Symons had the colt travelling well and once the field rounded the home turn, he pulled out from behind their heels and worked home to record a three-quarter length victory over Cornrow, with Domesday colt Ducal Castle working home well for third.

The last two Darley-sired runners to win this race, Reward For Effort (Exceed And Excel) and Sepoy (Elusive Quality), both went on to record victory in the G1 Blue Diamond.

Bred by Darley, Mohave is the first named foal out of the G3 placed Margham and comes from the family of G1 performers Desert Vixen, Valid Appeal, Real Shadai and Millennium. Margham currently has a yearling filly by Medaglia d'Oro , foaled a full-sister to Mohave in September and has a positive test to Commands.

As the sire of 78 Stakes winner highlighted by Group One winners Overreach, Guelph, Excelebration, Margot Did, Reward For Effort, Outstrip and Darley stallion Helmet, the reigning Champion Sire will be represented by eight yearlings at next week’s New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, 12 yearlings at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, followed by 26 yearlings at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in April.