Adam Page gives us his 2011 Blue Diamond Stakes preview, inculding an anlaysis of each of the fourteen runners in the field. View his Blue Diamond Stakes tips and preview.
1.Sepoy
With the exception of Karuta Queen, he has been the most dominant juvenile in Australia. Gave his rivals a spanking in the Preview before comfortably winning the Prelude as a dominant $1.40 favourite. Drawn perfectly in barrier five and knowing Peter Snowden, he’ll have this bloke ready to fire on Saturday.
Difficult to say why he can’t. The only factor against him is that it has been more than a decade since a short priced favourite has won the race. That was Bel Esprit.
2. Masthead
Had two runs in the Spring of last year with a second behind Elite Falls and then a close fourth behind Arctic Command at Flemington. Done the job well at Mornington first up when safely holding Emerald Down’s and Delago’s Lad. Not sure he is as good as his stablemate Atomic but always respect Lee Freedman.
3. Arctic Command
Was a strong winner on Derby day last year at Flemington before being sent for a spell. Was caught wide first up in the Prelude and tired to finish seventh behind Sepoy. If he gets cover, he might be a first four hope.
4. Delago’s Lad
Ran Sepoy to a length on debut at Flemington. Did the job well first up at Sandown before being somewhat disappointing at Mornington behind Masthead. He is a strong place possibility.
5. Grand Brittania
Won well on Sandown Classic day before bumping into Golden Archer at Flemington. Was a solid second first up behind Sepoy in the preview before really catching the eye in the Prelude behind that same horse. Has the wide alley to contend with but Nash Rawiller rides and that’s a big tick for me. Definite quinella hope.
6. Atomic
Didn’t quite know what to do on debut but still did the job well enough to earn himself a start here. He’ll have improved big time since that run and from all reports his work on Monday was very good. Has gate two, Froggy Newitt rides and he’ll get the plum run behind the speed. Big danger.
7. Running Tall
Was solid behind Arctic Command last year, then produced a solid second behind Sepoy In the Prelude. Drawn the rail, Melham sticks and he’ll also get the good run behind the pace. Another place hope.
8. Envious
Wasn’t a bad run on debut in the Prelude behind Sepoy. He’ll be better off for that but I think he wants his races over a longer journey. He’ll be running on at the end but I can’t have him.
9. Anevay
Top win at Flemington last Saturday when rolling about all over the place but still did It easily on the line. I think she is the main threat to Sepoy. She’ll be in front, Sepoy will sit outside her and they should dominate the race.
10. Spectrolite
Superb win on debut when beating the handy filly Military Grace, then she had no luck at her next start. Resumed with an ok sixth behind One Last Dance in the Preview. Hasn’t raced for a month which is a worry but if they decide to go hard in front, she is a run on type and she’ll be doing exactly that.
11. Holdontoyahorses
Took care of them on debut at Seymour, then came out and won impressively at Caulfield, then she didn’t have much luck behind One Last Dance in the Prelude. Another run on type from the Mick Price yard. Olly rides here and I think she is a sneaky chance on her home track.
12. Helping Hand
Umm, no. I can’t have her. Beaten a long way in the Prelude. Looks outclassed.
13. Metonymy
Looked really good two starts back at Moonee Valley, then ran an even fouth behind Atomic. She has the Nolen/Moody factor and that always has to be respected in big races. A rough place chance.
14. Hallowell Belle
Closed off the strongly in the Prelude after not having much luck in the race. She’ll be much fitter for that and Craig Williams is in form as is Peter Moody. Another that can be regarded as a danger to Sepoy.
Selections (Not in order): 1 Sepoy, 6 Atomic, 9 Anevay, 14 Hallowell Belle
Written by Adam Page
