An old-fashioned ploy of using blinkers worked in favour of pony-sized Choisir filly Diamond Earth who led all the way to land the Inglis Banner at Moonee Valley.
Anthony Cummings trains the promising two-year-old and decided that she needed the shades in Saturday’s 1000-metre dash after her fading eighth on debut in the Debutants Stakes at Caulfield 10 days ago.
“Her run the other day was excellent but she made a few mistakes and that’s why the blinkers went on,” Cummings said.
“The blinkers, the experience certainly, and race fitness has made the difference today.”
Ridden by Damien Oliver, Diamond Earth bounced in front with Lamingtons, who ran fourth at her only start at Flemington, and they fought the race out.
Oliver said the more he asked of Diamond Earth the more she gave and in a driving finish to the line she scored by a head.
Lamingtons, ridden by Ben Melham and trained by Matt Laurie, was gallant and finished a long neck ahead of third-placed Swipeline.
Diamond Earth cost $60,000 at the Inglis Classic Sale and provided a terrific windfall for her connections who collected first prize of $145,000.
Cummings said Hugh Bowman had educated Diamond Earth but he rode the Gary Portelli-trained Rise To The Top who finished fourth.
“Hughie Bowman had done a bit of work on her at home and given us a good feel and big expectation,” Cummings said.
“I think she is a pretty nice filly and, like the others, is underdone right now and looks a bit foalish.
“She’s got a long way to grow and a lot of developing to do but she is a natural talent and has great speed and great tenacity.”
Her half-sister, Halle Rocks, is trained by Mick Price and is unbeaten in two starts with her most recent success at Caulfield on October 12.
AAP TURF
