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Alamanac Racing: Who wins the Diamond?

Caulfield’s premier meeting of the autumn is upon us, with the 2017 edition of the Blue Diamond Stakes to be run this Saturday afternoon. The elite group of two-year olds will contest the race, worth $1.5m, over 1200 metres.

 

After the preview and prelude races went mostly to script, Catchy has emerged as the pick of the fillies and Property the best of the colts and geldings. Neither horse blew its opposition away though, and the unpredictability of this age group coupled with mixed form lines make the market quite even.

 

The Hayes and Dabernig team have six of the Diamond’s seventeen runners, but all have drawn gates wider than 8. Whether this will have much of an impact is probably a judgement call, but an indication of Catchy’s prowess is the fact that Craig Williams chose it as his Diamond ride, instead of Maher horse Jukebox and Smerdon’s Property. Diamond Day gets further endorsements from the appearances of superstar jockeys ‘Magic’ Joao Moreira and Brit Ryan Moore, who ride Property and Formality respectively.

 

Despite the evenness of the field’s best chances, I find it hard to go past the winners of the preludes last weekend. I think the boys’ prelude was deeper and Property recorded a very impressive victory so he’s my selection. Taking Aim, a Snowden runner, is one I can see running a big race at pretty decent odds ($26 at time of writing).

 

I think Into Orbit will win the Zedative Stakes, race two, after he beat Hey Doc home last start over the same track and distance a few weeks back.

 

Black Heart Bart finds itself back at Caulfield running over 1400 metres, this time against a weaker field than in the Orr, when he won in clinical fashion. He’ll likely start odds-on and will win again in the Futurity, race five.

 

The Peter Young Stakes kicks the quaddie off, and will pitch the in-form Humidor against other proven group one horses. Jameka will be its biggest threat and may have too much class, but I think Darren Weir’s Stratum Star will prevail. Tally could surprise at odds.

 

Some very quick horses will contest the Oakleigh Plate, race eight. I Am a Star has drawn a horrid barrier, which makes her hard for me to recommend. Fell Swoop and Sheidel will look to carry on their great spring form, but I can’t go past Extreme Choice.

 

The last leg of the quaddie looks straight-forward to me, and if you want to be brave then take Silent Sedition one out. She ticks all the right boxes and should be too strong.

 

It’s a very impressive meeting and I urge those with the day off to make their way to the track. It’s such an easy venue to get to by train and the conditions look like being ideal for having a wander around.

 

Good luck to those having a flutter, don’t be shy to share your thoughts below!

 

About Tom Riordan

Tom Riordan is in his second year of a Bachelor of Journalism at Swinburne University. He loves all sports, and plays for Brunswick Cricket Club. He supports the Western Bulldogs and can be found on weekends among half a dozen others in Q38 on the top level of the MCC.

Comments

  1. Looks like a terrific card. You going Tom?

  2. Big racing day on Sunday @ Yea. It’s a six race card, including the St Pat’s Cup. It’s potentially a big day for Nine Mile Sniper, who is an acceptance in both race 4 and race 6.

    Glen!

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