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Welcome to the Blue Diamond Stakes- the richest 2yo event in Victoria, run over 1200 metres at Caulfield Racecourse. Join us from 4:40pm AEST for the live blog of the race.
The headlines for this year’s Blue Diamond have been dominated by the colt Rubick and the filly Earthquake, both winning their previous starts impressively. The two races they took out where the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (Colts and Geldings) and the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (Fillies) respectively, which in fact are the two key lead up races for today’s feature.
The fillies have won the past two Blue Diamond’s with Miracles of Life (2013) and Samaready (2012). While Sepoy (2011) was the last colt to salute, he was also the last galloper to win the Blue Diamond/Golden Slipper double. A feat every trainer/owner will be hoping for.
The good news for the jockeys this year is that there is no Dwayne Dunn, who boasts the best jockey record in the Blue Diamond with four wins (which where consecutive between 2005-2008).
The Blue Diamond does look to be a race in two after both horses disposed their rivals quite easily. This being said you don’t need to be winning or even place in the Blue Diamond to guarantee a bright future. Just have a look at last years runners, Shamus Award (5th) went on to win the 2013 Cox Plate and Guelph (9th) took out 4 Group 1’s including the Champagne, Flight Stakes, Sires Produce and the Thousand Guineas.
Despite the wide gate I am leaning towards the filly Earthquake. The way she has disposed of her rivals within one or two bounds has been devastating. She looks to have the edge after she ran the same time as Rubick despite a much slower first 600m. She could sit 3 wide all the way and still win!
Rubick is the obvious top pick in the boys division and was equally as impressive in his Prelude win after having to deal with a stack of pressure early on to try and lead. If it came down to a stride for stride battle down to the line, I believe Earthquake will have the slight edge.
You can never write off Gai Waterhouse when it comes to 2yo feature races and her best chance to win the Blue Diamond is with the filly Nayeli. She is unbeaten and is yet to face any of the opposition she meets today, therefore she has a bit of the unknown factor. Gai has secured the services of James McDonald, who I believe is one of the best jockeys going round at the moment. Drawn well in the middle of the pack and Jimmy will give her every chance possible.
Don’t forget about Earthquakes stable mate Mohave. I was impressed with his win in the Blue Diamond Preview and you should overlook his last start behind Rubick, he couldn’t handle the pressure up front. He has drawn well and will be a much better horse if he sits off the speed.
1. Earthquake
2. Nayeli
3. Rubick
4. Mohave
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