2025 Sportsbet Blue Diamond Stakes: Pedigree, Field Insights & Historical Trends

The Blue Diamond Stakes has long been the proving ground for Australia’s finest two-year-olds, and the 2025 edition at Caulfield Racecourse promises to be no different. As the race approaches on Saturday, February 22, with a cool AU$2 million prize purse at stake, the current field reflects the youthful exuberance of these juveniles and the wisdom of proven bloodlines that have defined this prestigious event over the past 15 years.

A Field Steeped in Promise

Field of Play leads the charge – an unbeaten colt from the Busuttin & Young stable who draws an ideal barrier five. His recent form has been impressive, and his pedigree, as a son of Deep Field, hints at the stamina and speed required for a 1200m sprint. Not far behind, the field also boasts top-quality fillies like Palm Angel, benefitting from an inside draw at barrier one, and The Playwright, trained by the illustrious Waterhouse & Bott partnership. In addition, horses such as Devil Night, from the renowned Hawkes stable, and Tentyris – a promising contender from the Freedman team – round out a field that is as competitive as it is diverse.

Reflecting on 15 Years of Blue Diamond Winners

Looking back over the past 15 years, a few compelling trends emerge. The race, run under set weights (57kg for colts/geldings and 55kg for fillies), means that while the weights remain constant, the 2kg allowance for fillies has often proved decisive in close finishes. Some of the standout winners – from Little Brose (2023) and Daumier (2022) to Artorius (2021) and Tagaloa (2020) – have come from the colts division, which holds a slight numerical edge. Yet, the fillies have consistently demonstrated their class with champions like Hayasugi (2024), Lyre (2019), and Catchy (2017).

Barrier Draws: The Inside Edge

Historical data shows that winners are often found from the inside gates. Over recent seasons, barriers 1 through 5 have yielded many of the race’s heroes. For instance, an inside draw—like Palm Angel’s coveted barrier one—can save valuable metres at the start, offering a tactical advantage that has been replicated by winners time and again. Conversely, horses starting from wider positions, such as Tycoon Star (drawn at 15) or Autumn Mystery (from 16), must rely on explosive early speed to make up lost ground. This trend emphasizes the importance of a favourable barrier, especially in a sprint as short and decisive as the Blue Diamond.

Pedigree Matters

The pedigree of a Blue Diamond winner is almost as crucial as its recent form. A successful bloodline typically blends international influence with proven Australian stamina and speed. A prime example is Tagaloa (2020), whose pedigree boasts elite Japanese blood through his sire, Lord Kanaloa – a trend highlighting the growing influence of international lines. Meanwhile, winners like Written By (2018) and Redoute’s Choice (from earlier eras) exemplify the power of strong domestic pedigrees. In the case of our current runners, several boast impressive lineage: Field of Play carries the legacy of Deep Field; Palm Angel’s pedigree combines European and local bloodlines that have a track record of success in juvenile races; and horses from Ciaron Maher’s yard, such as Icarian Dream and Cherish Me, illustrate the potent mix of international and Australian breeding.

Trends in Winning Weights, Barriers & Sex

While the race operates on fixed weights, the subtle edge often comes from the 2kg allowance for fillies. Historical winners have adhered strictly to these conditions, with colts typically running at 57kg and fillies at 55kg. Over the past 15 years, a slight numerical advantage has been seen favouring colts, accounting for roughly 60% of winners, while fillies have claimed about 40%. This balance, however, is a testament to the high-quality present in both divisions, with top fillies proving that the weight allowance can be a game-changer in tightly contested finishes.

On the barrier front, a consistent pattern emerges: an ideal starting position—particularly from the inside gates—can make all the difference in a race decided by mere lengths. The success of runners drawn from barriers 1 through 5 has borne this out, and it has become a standard feature among the past winners’ profiles.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes draws near, the convergence of talented juveniles with rich pedigrees and favourable barrier positions offers promise for another memorable race. With current contenders like Field of Play, Palm Angel, and Devil Night embodying the successful trends of past winners, fans can expect a thrilling contest that not only crowns a champion but also potentially announces the next generation of sprinting superstars.

The blend of consistent winning weights, advantageous barrier positions, and the critical influence of pedigree has defined the Blue Diamond Stakes over the past 15 years – and it seems poised to do so again in 2025.

Past Winners

Top Three Selections

In a typically even 2-year-old Group race, any of the progressive types can jump out of the ground. However, the three above have the nicest mix of ability, gate, and upside on disclosed form, race pattern, and barrier draws. Palm Angel has the right combination of proven talent and a perfect draw; Cherish Me brings the “one start, one win” hype and a soft gate, and Field Of Play is the early favourite with every chance to improve off that last run.

Good luck, and enjoy the 2025 Blue Diamond!