Read what each of the jockeys had to say about the runs of their mounts in the 2021 Blue Diamond Stakes on Saturday.
Winning Jockey: Luke Currie (Artorius)
Another Blue Diamond, describe the last 400m: “I thought he was a chance, but he raced a little bit on-and-off. I knew he was getting a good run through, but I thought he might struggle late, just because he hadn’t really had a chance to travel down and quicken, but he just kept coming. It was an amazing feeling the last bit.”
This makes everything worthwhile: “It does. I missed this day last year with a fall the night before. It’s been a much better week and weekend than this time last year. It makes it all worthwhile.”
Teaming up with the Freedmans: “They were tossing up whether to come here or wait and put him out to seven furlongs which is probably what he looked like he would thrive at after his Sandown win. I went down early in the week and trialled him at Balnarring and they decided to put the blinkers on him. They are tried and tested and know what they’re doing the whole team there and that’s why they produce good winners like they do.”
Beaten jockeys:
Jamie Kah (General Beau): “He was a bit dour. Enthaar probably needed to get across a bit earlier and give him more of a cover.”
Willie Pike (Ingratiating): “Very good effort. I might have hit the front a smidge early and was left vulnerable. Super effort and very grateful for the ride.”
Luke Nolen (Finance Tycoon): “Terrific effort. He’s very consistent and a very honest horse that continues to run well.”
Kerrin McEvoy (Pegasi): “He did a lot wrong.”
Damien Oliver (Anamoe): “He ran well. He was just a bit new with the blinkers on first time. I think he will appreciate having a run in them and will improve second time with the blinkers on.”
Joe Bowditch (Abseiler): “Has just come to the end of his preparation.”
Michael Walker (Jigsaw): “He ran really good. He tried hard but he’s just not there yet.”
John Allen (Construct): “He’s run well. He’s definitely going to be suited for maybe 1400 metres but a good solid effort.”
Daniel Stackhouse (Hitotsu): “He’s going to be a nice horse in time. Just needs to go through his grades.”
Mark Zahra (Enthaar): “Ran well but she’s so brilliant. 1200 (metres) in a high pressure race just finds her out late. She’s running ‘tens’ with her head on her chest. Kind of wanted to go slower but she’s just so brilliant and it brings her undone in the end.”
Damian Lane (Arcaded): “Disappointing. She raced well below par for her.”
Dwayne Dunn (Wolves): “She ran well. The winner took me out of play turning in. She’ll be better over seven furlongs.”
Damien Thornton (Ginibi): “Not ready.”
