Lady Horseowner has risen to every challenge so far and gets the chance to do so again on the big stage after being confirmed as a late entry for the Group One Blue Diamond Stakes.
Connections have paid the $55,000 fee to run the unbeaten filly in Saturday’s $1.5 million feature for two-year-olds at Caulfield.
Trainer Greg Eurell said the pint-sized youngster had had a trouble-free build-up since her win in the fillies Preview last month, after which attention turned to getting her ready for the Blue Diamond 2018.
“She’s in and everything has gone to plan,” Eurell said.
“I’ve been very happy with her since her last run. It’s been faultless actually.”
Lady Horseowner fought gamely on debut at Moonee Valley to defeat expensive filly Al Naifa before powering home in the Group Three Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) at her second start to beat Crossing The Abbey by a neck with one of the leading Blue Diamond contenders Oohood third.
“She’s done nothing wrong and she’s had a couple of big guns touted in front of her in each race she’s been in and she’s been able to defeat them,” Eurell said.
“She deserves her opportunity and I think 1200 metres will suit her down to the ground.”
Eurell said Lady Horseowner was probably the smallest horse in the stable at 15 hands.
After she qualified with her Preview win on January 27, Eurell felt it was best to go in without another lead-up.
“It gave us every opportunity to give her a bit of a breather after her Preview win and build her fitness levels up to the point where hopefully we’ve got her peaking on the day,” he said.
“It was best to try to leave a bit in the tank and we think we’ve done that.
“She loves to be in for a fight and the best part about it is she’s got ability.
“She’s certainly doesn’t give in. She keeps going until she sticks that nose in front.”
Lady Horseowner, to be ridden by Nikita Beriman, was at $17 on Monday.
“It’s a big exercise, especially when you’re up against the colts, but she can only do what she’s been doing,” Eurell said.
“One thing is for sure, we know she’ll be honest and give it her best shot and she leads into it without any issues at all.”
