As is the case with the filly’s edition, the colts and geldings Blue Diamond Preview is a hotly contested affair. Peter Moody, who trained Dissident to success in this race last year, will be hoping for back-to-back victories with Ducal Castle, the early favourite for the race. He holds the call narrowly over Cornrow ($4.60) and Mohave ($5.00) with debutantes Berlutti ($7.00) and Grande Rosso ($5.00) the other runners under double figures.
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Blue Diamond Preview (C & G) Form Guide
1. CORNROW – D Oliver (7) 55kgs
This colt by Duporth made a very good debut for his trainer Mick Price when running third (1/2 length) to Silversands in an Inglis 2yo race on Cox Plate day last year at Moonee Valley. Third in that race was Boomwaa who won a G3 race at his next start and who has finished second in two Sydney starts this year. Hasn’t trailed leading into his return and drawn awkwardly in seven but showed enough on debut that he must be given close consideration.
2. MOHAVE – C Symons (2) 55kgs
Well bred Darley runner made his debut back in October in the Listed Breeder’s Plate (1000m) at Randwick and surprisingly for a Darley representative, drifted in betting noticeably from 12/1 to 20/1. He proved the drift wrong by finishing well from mid-field to run a half length second to Law. Drawn well, from the right operation and will be ready to produce a good run again.
3. DUCAL CASTLE – B Rawiller (1) 55kgs
The Peter Moody trained colt by Domesday made his debut a fortnight ago in a 1000m race up the Flemington straight. He sat behind the pace and when asked to go at the 300m, quickened well to join the leader Bugatty who proved a shade too strong over the final 100m and won by a length. Horse and Jockey would’ve both learnt a lot from that run and would expect him, with a touch of luck from the inside gate, to figure in the finish again.
4. STINGRAY – D Lane (3) 55kgs
The Kaphero colt made his debut in the Listed Debutante Stakes, over this course and distance, back in October where from a wide gate, he settled on the speed before his run peaked late and he finished fourth (3 ¼ lengths) behind Moonlight Hussler. His following and only start since, came a fortnight later at Ballarat where he started an easing 11/8 favourite. Carrying 58kgs on a heavy track, the John Moloney trained runner was ousted on the line by a neck. Has had some excuses at both starts but should have none from this draw and on what should be a dry track.
5. TUDOR – C Williams (6) 55kgs
Made his debut in the week before Christmas at Bendigo in Maiden class where he had no answer to the winner Eloping, running second throughout and finishing 2 ½ lengths behind the filly. We’ll be able to get a good line on his chances after Eloping runs in the fillies Blue Diamond Preview in the previous race. Top jock on board and should be able to find a nice position from his gate mid-field.
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6. BERLUTTI – G Boss (8) 55kgs
Mick Price trains this Not A Single Doubt colt who was purchased at the Magic Millions National Sale for $85k. His dam Blahniks has produced three foals that have raced with the best of them being Gorgeous Goldie, winner of one of her forty race starts. Not seen at the trials and it is hard too hard to recommend him on breeding.
7. CONGRESS – C Schofield (4) 55kgs
One of two runners in the race for David Hayes, this gelding by Reaan (winner of this race in 2008) made his debut in the Listed Debutante Stakes back in October. Starting at 16/1, he settled on the pace from a good draw but weakened noticeably in the straight and finished a distant last. A post race examination revealed he had a poor recovery rate. No trials in preparation for his return and would prefer to see what he has to offer.
8. GRANDE ROSSO – D Stackhouse (9) 55kgs
A first starter by Written Tycoon out of a Rory’s Jester mare Jestemma, he is under the care of Mornington trainer Mark Riley. He is the first foal of the mare who only had the one start which was a poor effort in a Murray Bridge Maiden. However, he fetched $220,000 at the Melbourne Premier Yearling sale last year and despite not being seen at the trials and drawing poorly, has been kept very safe in betting markets.
9. MUNJIZ – M Walker (10) 55kgs
A half-brother to stable-mate Bulbula, who won the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes on debut and subsequently placed in G3 company, he is a colt by Stratum. Owned and trained by the same connections as Tawteen who will contest the fillies’ division, he will be making is debut but will need to be smart to overcome the widest gate.
10. STATUE OF WARRIORS – K Mallyon (5) 55kgs
This Statue Of Liberty gelding will make is debut for Mornington trainer Jerome Hunter. He will be the tenth foal of At Talaq mare High Price, to race and has been prepped for his first start with a barrier trial win at Moe earlier in the week.
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RACE OVERVIEW
Mohave was up and running early, making his debut back in October, with a good effort in a Listed race. From a stable that produces smart juveniles and a good draw, would expect him to figure prominently. Ducal Castle was good on debut behind the smart performance Bugatty and only needs a touch of luck around the one turn they’ll negotiate in the race, to go one better here. Stingray will have no excuses this time out and has been very well supported in both starts he has contested.
- MOHAVE
- DUCAL CASTLE
- STINGRAY
- CORNROW