3 minute read
Historical Analysis of the Blue Diamond
Melbourne’s biggest race for the youngsters is worth plenty of money and interestingly has been very good for the future for the placegetters.
Despite the prize money, it tends to be shunned by most northern states horses who concentrate on the Slipper until recently. The last few winners have been very good juveniles with the 2013 story one of the best feel-goods you could ever wish for.
PROFILING THE RACE
o Middle of the road barriers seem to be the ones seen to advantage. The dog leg straight means inside gates have to kick up and outside gates struggle around the bend in general.
o Fillies have held their own in recent years with 8 of last 21 + Roedean was first but lost on disqualification.
o Not a great race for favourites before a turn around with the last eight fancied. Only Alinghi and Bel Esprit of the prior recent years took the mantle successfully into and out of the race.
o Dwayne Dunn had four wins in a row - unbelievable.
o David Hayes had a near similar streak going winning three and Lindsay Park had won previously with the likes of Principality, Canonise, Mahaasin & Midnight Fever amongst others. Catchy won again for him in 2017.
o Sepoy was the first to do the Diamond & Slipper double since Courtza in 1989. Redoute’s Choice may have done the double but his latest of late scratchings at Rosehill cost him the chance.
o Sepoy was the first since Bel Esprit to win the Preview/Prelude/Diamond.
o Several Golden Slipper winners in recent seasons have been placed such as Miss Finland, Flying Spur & Canny Lad (Crystal Lily sixth).
o 1996 race was at Flemington when Paint won due to the Caulfield redevelopment.
o Last 10 Winners Average Price of winner - $5.50
o Breakdown of winners - 4 fillies & 6 colts
o Races that the winner ran in prior - Blue Diamond Prel (c) (4), Blue Diamond Prel (f) (3), Blue Diamond Prev (c) (0), Blue Diamond Prev (f) (1), Talindert Stks (1), Chairman’s Stakes (1).
RECENT WINNERS
Barrier: 15, Weight: 56.5kg, Gross Time: 1:09.86
Margin: 2.5L, Track: Good (3), Starters: 162nd: Enbihaar (54.5kg), 3rd: Oohood (54.5kg)
Review: Not often in big races which established the field a long way out, do you see such a big move. Written By was double figures in the morning but ended up a strong favourite.
The barrier was the key but Jordan Childs put him right on the pace and was outside lead on the corner. While others were chasing hard he was still on the bit at the 350m.
He wobbled to the centre but won with ease. It was the jockey’s first major and the trainer’s first result since returning to training when moving south.
Barrier: 11, Weight: 54.5kg, Gross Time: 1:09.38
Margin: 0.4L, Track: Good (3), Starters: 142nd: Pariah (56.5kg), 3rd: Formality (54.5kg)
Review: Whatever you thought of the class of the race, this was an outstanding win. Lindsay Park had six in but they still had to get the job done. Coming to the turn, Craig Williams, who had the choice of so many rides, was way back but angling for a run.
Once clear he had to charge on the filly and set out after Pariah who loomed as the winner. But she rounded him up and was drawing away. She would have won by further the longer they went. In what looked an even year, could she go further on to Sydney? Time would tell.
2016 - EXTREME CHOICE 2c (Not A Single Doubt x Extremely) ($2.75 fav)
Jockey: Craig Newitt, Trainer: Mick PriceBarrier: 11, Weight: 56.5kg, Gross Time: 1:08.95
Margin: 1.8L, Track: Good (3), Starters: 162nd: Flying Artie (56.5kg), 3rd: Zamzam (54.5kg)
Review: This was Mick Price’s moment. Having taken it upon himself to be a strong advocate for the industry and given due credit for that he was now getting repayment on the track. These two colts were coming from differing form lines but were impressive nonetheless.
They also came from differing racing patterns. Extreme Choice puts itself on speed, Flying Artie back. With Oliver having to make a choice he went the wrong way.
The winner eased his way forward and was wide the trip but never pressured to be there. He hit the front under a hold and held the margin all the way home as they cleared out.
