Coolmore or Champions Sprint for Streisand?

By Connor Scanlon

The 2026 Blue Diamond winner, Streisand, is returning to the races!

On Saturday, the three-year-old filly returns for her first-up run in the Group 3 D’Antibes Stakes (1100m) at Flemington.

But the question begs: How will Streisand perform in her three-year-old spring prep?

Speaking on SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up, trainer Clint McDonald revealed she is exactly where she needs to be a first-up run, keeping in mind that he is targeting the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) as her Grand Final at the backend of the spring.

“She's as ready as she needs to be,” admitted McDonald.

“She's in great order. Everyone's probably seen her trials; she trialled beautifully at Cranbourne, and then we gave her a very quiet trial.

“I wanted to ride her quiet (in her second trial) because that's how we're going to ride her on Saturday with 59.5kg on her back.

“I don't want her up, doing that bullocking work like she always does. I don't think she's there yet.

“Ben Melham came and rode her (in work on Tuesday morning), he's very happy with her.

“So, she's where she needs to be for a first-up run, obviously trying to peak her for a Coolmore as a Grand Final.”

While McDonald is aiming for a Coolmore with the Blue Diamond winner, the trainer did admit that the owners, Yulong Investments, may choose the path of the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) for the filly.

“That's definitely a possibility; they've got so many nice horses,” McDonald said.

“I've got another nice colt (owned by them) called from Tales Of Time - that's (also) looking to go to a Coolmore.

“I think the proof is on race day. What I can tell you is that Streisand's consistently good every time she steps out.

“So, she'll be ready to go to whichever race we need her to go to.

“If Yulong tap me on the shoulder and say, ‘We've got enough going (to the Coolmore), let's go to a Champion Sprint,’ she'll be going there.

“I'd love to take her against her own age, but at the end of the day it's Yulong's decision. They own the horse, they pay the bills, and what they want to do I follow instructions.”

Streisand is $5 with Sportsbet to win the D’Antibes Stakes on Saturday, while she holds a price of $11 to win the Coolmore and $15 to win the Champions Sprint.