Bookmakers have wasted no time in framing a market for the Blue Diamond Stakes, installing the Sydney colt Beneteau as favourite at $3.60 over the Melbourne filly Psychologist quoted at $4.20.

Both youngsters were super impressive in their respective Preludes, recording fast times with each going to the line strongly.

Psychologist won by 4 ¼ lengths recording the 1100m in 1: 02.67 whilst running the last 600 metres in 33.98 whereas Beneteau’s winning margin was 2 ½ lengths but slightly quicker than the filly at 1:02.45 with his last 600m in 33.97.

On times there is very little between them and the Blue Diamond may not necessarily be decided on times, but the one that can sustain pressure over the 1200m journey.

That is where Beneteau may hold the key to the issue. He had to overcome difficulty at the top of the straight not only winning, he was running away from the opposition.

The only other serious contenders on form appear to be Star Witness, who is yet to run at Caulfield and Crystal Lily who has lost no admires since her win in the Blue Diamond Preview. Both are quoted at $8.

In the event of Star Witness winning the Diamond, it would provide an enormous boost for his sire Starcraft in getting a Group 1 success from his first crop to race.

Pictures: Quentin Lang & Fiona Tomlin