Psychologist Strikes Best Form

Two years ago talented mare Psychologist (4m Choisir x Miss Conception, by Danzero) burst on to the racing stage with a blazing debut win in the Group III MRC Blue Diamond Prelude and at Caulfield on Saturday she was back in top form with a fast finishing victory in the Group III MRC Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes. Prepared by Tony Vasil, Psychologist has been somewhat of a problem child in the time that has elapsed since her exciting debut, but he’s never doubted her ability. Not beaten far in recent starts, Vasil elected to put Craig Newitt on board for this assignment, hoping the jockey’s aggressive style would bring out her best. Newitt allowed Psychologist to settle back in the field and brought her to the outside for her finishing run, which she obviously found to her liking. She let down with a sizzling burst to round up the leaders and win the 1200 metre dash running away by the best part of two lengths, her overall record now four wins from 16 starts with prizemoney of $277,613. “I just thought we’d try a different style of rider this time and hope it would make a difference,” Vasil said. “In the early days we thought she would be a very good horse when she blew them away at her first start, but she’s had niggling issues along the way since then ... bottom line though is she can gallop. “She’s consolidated herself as a broodmare in winning another Group III, however it’s a long time until she goes to a stallion next spring, so we’ll be hopeful she can win a few more races between now and then.” Another good stakes-winner bred and sold by Bylong Park Thoroughbreds, as are Mosheen (3f Fastnet Rock x Sumehra, by Stravinsky) and Drieffontein (2f Fastnet Rock x Follow Gold, by Export Price), Psychologist was purchased for $120,000 from the 2009 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale Session II. A daughter of leading sire Choisir, Psychologist is one of two winners from the Danzero mare Miss Conception, a half-sister to Group III winner Cute Emily, who is also by Choisir. Miss Conception had no foal last year, but was covered by Choisir’s best son Starspangledbanner. Bylong Park Thoroughbreds will offer the full brother to Psychologist at the 2012 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale as Lot 282.