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Chequers Stud are thrilled to announce the arrival of the first foal by high class racehorse and stallion prospect Battle Paint (Tale of the Cat). Despite arriving in the midst of a record breaking cold snap the colt out of Diamond Cluster (Sir Tristram) is a strong, robust foal. “He’s a nice bay colt with great legs, it’s a super start for Battle Paint” said Chris Campin. A daughter of Sir Tristram and the top class filly Diamond Shower (AJC Oaks G1), Diamond Cluster is representative of a strong book of mares served by Battle Paint in his initial season.

A bright hope for the Gr I 1000 Guineas emerged on a bleak Hamilton day yesterday.

Cambridge trainer Mark Fraser-Campin revealed Classic aims for Ishiguru filly Chess, a smart winner of the Perfectly Ready@Brighthill Farm Juvenile on a heavy track at Te Rapa for rider Michael Coleman.

Chess' debut win followed a three-length trial success at Cambridge last month and earned her a start in the Listed $45,000 Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki on July 30.

''She's got a ton of ability,'' said Fraser-Campin, who trains in partnership with his brother Chris Campin.

''The Ryder has been the plan all along. Today was a lead into the Ryder and the Ryder will be a lead into the spring so we'll see how we go.

''She'll be a lot better on a drier track. She wasn't really at home on that track but her class prevailed.''

Fraser-Campin said Chess hailed from a speed family but he believed she would get up in distance as she developed.

''There's a lot of speed in the family and she'll be a big filly in time. That was a lovely run today,'' he said.