Melham’s call delivers McDonald another Blue Diamond with Streisand

There is something about the Blue Diamond that brings out the best in Clint McDonald’s fillies.

Two years after Hayasugi won the 2024 edition, McDonald returned to Caulfield and did it again with Streisand, delivering the boutique trainer his second Blue Diamond in three years.

But this one carried extra weight.

“It's been a tough, tough 12 months. And to have Ellie and Harry and my wife Virginia here, it's been terrific,” McDonald said.

Hayasugi’s story ended in heartbreak after her untimely passing. Streisand’s triumph felt like reward for perseverance, precision and belief from a stable that continues to compete with far bigger operations.

Behind the scenes, it was another win for bloodstock agent Shane McGrath, whose eye for elite juveniles continues to stand up on the biggest stage. Streisand now adds her name to the growing list of stars he has helped source.

The narrative around the race had already shifted before Saturday.

Big Sky, the pre-post favourite, was scratched on Friday after being found lame. But the scratching did not reshape Ben Melham’s thinking.

The jockey had already made his call weeks earlier. After riding both Big Sky and Streisand at their previous starts, Melham chose to stick with Streisand — despite Big Sky sitting at the top of Blue Diamond betting and Streisand considered a double-figure chance at the time.

It looked bold then.

By Saturday afternoon, it looked like judgement of the highest order.

The start itself brought further drama. I Am Aria broke through the front of the barriers, forcing a delay and ultimately a switch to a manual start.

From the dispatch, Streisand was positive. She rolled forward and sat three deep but up on speed in a Blue Diamond that ultimately favoured those in the first half of the field.

Closer To Free crossed to lead at just her second start. Guest House settled leader's back and over-raced, never quite enjoying clear air when the race intensified.

Despite covering ground, Streisand travelled strongly. Melham had her balanced on the bend and when he asked, she responded.

“She did it the tough way and I thought she was really strong all the way to the line,” McDonald said.

“What a filly. The blinkers were used, she floated, but you try things and it worked. To all my staff, my trackwork riders, fantastic.”

McDonald believed experience proved decisive.

“I just thought she was the most seasoned horse in the race, her fifth start, the way she walked around the mounting yard it was like she’s done it her whole life and she raced that way. It’s just terrific, look out tonight.”

He also felt she had been underestimated.

“Very similar to Hayasugi, very understated, just won by a head and everyone wrote her off in the Diamond, I think she started $18, same with this filly, she’s had four starts, got beaten a short half head in two of them, unlucky when she ran fifth and then she won her fourth start, so I thought ‘have I got this wrong? I think she’s going alright this filly'."

“She’s had a solid preparation, she’s just come here and she’s tough and that’s what you need to win these races.”

Melham revealed the plan had long been in motion.

“It was a long-range plan with this filly. She showed exceptional ability from day dot. She's just had a faultless start to her career, two lovely runs before Christmas, she went out, had time to have a little break."

“She's come back and she'd just furnished every day. Developed and obviously, that's what you want to see from these two-year-olds, she's a ready-made racehorse. Clinton and the team have done a great job.”

He paid tribute to the buying team.

“Obviously, well bought by Shane and the guys but the team at home do a fantastic job.”

Managing her pre-race quirks was part of the assignment.

“She's a cranky little thing on the ground, but lovely to ride race day. Blinkers first time today, we always thought she’d improve with them on. She was a little bit sleepy going to the start, and I gave her a bit of a squeeze and then she picked up and I lit her up in the barriers a bit just to make sure she jumped because she went to sleep on me again."

“Obviously, a lot of the speed didn't jump and we didn't end up going that quick. I was just in a position where I could control the race and she did the rest.”

What followed was bedlam in the mounting yard.

McDonald was mobbed by a huge ownership group that included former West Coast Eagles premiership player Michael Gardner. Richmond triple premiership star Dustin Martin was also in the mounting yard.

“It’s the first time I’ve been punched in the nose in the mounting yard, I’ve wanted to punch a few jockeys but I’ve just copped one myself,” he laughed.

“Big bunch of owners, it’s fantastic, it’s what racing needs, there’s kids, mums, dads. It’s always great when you win but I’ve been down at the horse stalls today and the vibe here in Melbourne racing is fantastic and it’s what we’ve got to create to keep racing going.”

While the celebrations were set to continue long into the night, Melham hinted he may not be front and centre.

“I’ll be steering clear of that, I’ll give you the tip.”

For McDonald, for a stable that thrives on precision rather than numbers, and for a jockey whose judgement was vindicated in the most emphatic fashion, Streisand’s Blue Diamond was not just another Group 1.