Griffiths numbers in the Blue Diamond have been slashed ahead of Saturday's race
Stable star The Quarterback has come through his barrier ordeal before the Lightning Stakes with a few bruises and trainer Robbie Griffiths is hoping for better luck on 2017 Blue Diamond Stakes day.
The Quarterback went down in his stall on Saturday and was one of three late scratchings from the Group One sprint at Flemington.
Griffiths will now turn his attention to next Saturday when he will rely on Chateau Griffo after his hopes of having multiple runners in the Group One race for two-year-olds were dashed.
Griffiths started the Blue Diamond series with six potential runners.
“We’ve had a bit of a crash,” Griffiths said.
“Fabrication gave away too big a start after missing the start in a Prelude and needs a barrier ticket, so it’s game over there.
“Zarpoya pulled up sore after her last run and Beaverbrook pulled up shin sore and has gone to the paddock.
“Cherief’s Choice is not smart enough mentally just yet. She ran second in a lesser grade race at Benalla and showed she’s not up to that level yet.”
His other entrant Something Violet needed to win the Talindert Stakes at Flemington on Saturday in convincing fashion to warrant a start but she finished 11th behind Ducimus.
Chateau Griffo finished a closing third behind Limestone and Tulip, beaten just over a half-length, in the fillies division of the Blue Diamond Prelude at Caulfield on January 26.
“She ran fantastic in the Preview around all the right form lines,” Griffiths said.
“Limestone has run well since defeating Tulip and all those form lines are hooked in together now.
“We go into the Diamond hoping that our filly presents well on the day.
We’ve got to hope now we draw a gate and the way she finished off over the 1000 metres you would think the 1200 metres will suit her.”
Chateau Griffo is by 2008 Golden Slipper winner Sebring from the Commands mare Moulin Rouge.
“Sebrings are strong pedigree horses, have strong genetics and run a lot further than the sprints,” Griffiths said.
“So we’re hoping with her.”
Chateau Griffo is an $18 chance in latest Blue Diamond betting with Catchy, unbeaten in her three starts, favourite at $5.50.
Ryan Maloney who rode the filly on debut, retains the the ride on Saturday.
