Catchy has returned to winning form with an outstanding performance in the Group 2 Arrowfield Stakes (1200m) on Day 2 of The Championships at Randwick today.
Catchy failed to produce much through her first few starts this time and was all but forgotten in betting leading up to the Arrowfield; eventually jumping at odds of $9.50.
Magic Man Joao Moreira settled the filly off the early pace after jumping well as Houtzen, Booker and Perast flew the barriers and traded blows at the front of the pack.
Enjoying an easy time with cover, Moreira steered Catchy to the outside of the Arrowfield Sprint field rounding onto the straight and was offered a clear racing line. The filly immediately responded when she was asked for more and found little resistance from the talent-rich field; savaging the line for a comfortable win of more than a length from Showtime and I Am Excited.
The Hong Kong-based hoop was pleased with the filly’s performances and was thrilled to ride a winner for David Hayes at The Championships.
“She’s lovely,” Moreira said.
“She put herself in where she likes to be in the race and she finished if off with all the power she’s got.
“It’s lovely to be riding another winner for David.
“She had everything in her favour, she got a beautiful run through and once she got a run to the outside, she just dashed home, giving me such a great feeling of riding another Group winner here in Australia.”
Catchy was a star two-year-old and won the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at only her fourth career start last spring.
Incredibly, her Arrowfield Sprint victory is the first time that she has tasted success since her win in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) at Flemington in early spring.