The dream is alive for apprentice Lauren Stojakovic who has been confirmed as the rider of favourite Miracles Of Life in the Group One Blue Diamond Stakes.
Adelaide-based Stojakovic, 29, has ridden Miracles Of Life in her three dominant wins, including a breathtaking victory in the Blue Diamond Preview at Caulfield on Australia Day.
Iris O’Farrell, racing manager for Miracles Of Life’s owner Muzaffar Yaseen, confirmed on Tuesday that Stojakovic would keep the ride in the $1 million race.
Trainer Daniel Clarken is happy with the decision and said it was a massive opportunity for Stojakovic.
“She’s done nothing wrong at all and the way she conducted herself at Caulfield, you couldn’t ask anybody to conduct themself better,” Clarken said.
“I’m more than happy to have her on.”
Miracles Of Life is the $2.80 favourite for the Blue Diamond (1200m) on February 23 but connections still need to pay the $55,000 late entry fee which is due on the Monday before the race.
Clarken said the filly had done “beautifully” since her Preview win.
A number of Miracles Of Life’s likely rivals will press their claims when the Blue Diamond Preludes are run at Caulfield on Saturday.
The fillies Prelude will feature the Peter Snowden-trained Guelph who is on the third line of betting at $7.50 after a first-up win at Warwick Farm.
Snowden rates Guelph as his stable’s best Diamond hope.
The Peter Moody-trained Thermal Current ($9) and stablemate Dissident ($21) are nominated for the colts and geldings Prelude.
Clarken said he would be watching.
“It’s not done and dusted yet,” he said.
“It will be very interesting to see what form comes out of the Preludes on Saturday.”
