A late nomination for the Group 1 $2 million Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) could be on the cards for the progressive Trent Busuttin & Natlie Young trained Field Of Play after he made it back-to-back wins with a gutsy Prelude victory at Caulfield on Saturday.

While not currently nominated for the 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes back at the track on February 22, the son of Deep Field proved he would be right in the mix for an elite level win when digging deep to hold off the gallant challengers in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (C&G) on Orr Day.

Given a perfectly timed ride by Blake Shinn, the gun gelding was in the lead a long way out a sitting duck but never gave in extending late to run through the line and secure his second career success to remain undefeated.

“He gave me a great ride,” Shinn said.

“He settled nicely and responded well when I asked him to go. He’s got a lot of potential, and I’m looking forward to riding him in the Blue Diamond Stakes.”

Shinn also mentioned the colt’s maturity and ability to handle the race conditions, which bodes well for his future performances.

On debut he was enormous at Moonee Valley in late December posting a 3.25 length win with 58kg over 1200m, and he showed that was no fluke up in grade for the Prelude to kick off his autumn bid.

“Field of Play showed his class today. He handled the pressure well and finished strongly. We’re thrilled with his progress and excited about his prospects for the Blue Diamond Stakes,” co-trainer Busuttin told the media post-win.

While Field Of Play was at a short $2.90 quote in betting, it was the roughies filling the minors with runner-up Devil Night at $41 and the third placed Katsumi at a blowout $81 starting price.

Race favourite, Aleppo Pine ($2.45F) from the Godolphin stable, meanwhile was disappointing running over three lengths back fifth out of the minors.

Cranbourne-based duo Busuttin & Young won the 2020 Blue Diamond Stakes with Tagaloa, also a The Valley winner before a run in the Blue Diamond Prelude, and they will now be looking to repeat the feat five years later with Field Of Play.

His hard-fought Prelude win has seen Field Of Play shoot up all-in Blue Diamond Stakes odds online at Ladbrokes.com.au into $6 second favouritism behind the subsequent Fillies’ Prelude winner Palm Angel.

2025 Blue Diamond Prelude (C&G) Results

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