This afternoon in Melbourne we saw the running of the Blue Diamond Stakes, a G1 event for two year olds. The Diamond is Victoria's premier baby's race, and only takes second place to Sydney's Golden Slipper, in order of importance. Of the 14 that took to the track, only two were fillies, and one of them proved a sensation. The South Australian Filly, Miracles Of Life, trained by unheralded horseman Daniel Clarken stormed away with the $700,000 first prize, as she coasted to an emphatic win. Going to the stalls, the filly was the centre of many a debate, as she carried the claiming apprentice Lauren Stojakovic, who had filled the seat in her previous three unbeaten races. Calls were made to dump the lady, in favour of a more experienced jockey. But much to his credit, Clarken stuck with the rider who knew the horse the best. The link below shows the win. She's drawn the inside, and races in gold. She has a big baldy face. http://www.racingnetwork.com.au/Vision/RaceReplays/tabid/108/Default.aspx#2013-02-21: I don't know what happening to the link, but go to race 7. One of the other highlights of the day was the appearance of Black Caviar's little brother All Too Hard. Recently bought for a rumoured $25 million, the Hawkes trained three year old made light work of G1 Futurity Stakes. It must have been a massive relief for the new owners. The massively built colt carries the green and white colours. http://www.racingnetwork.com.au/Vision/RaceReplays/tabid/108/Default.aspx#2013-02-21: Same link problem again. Go to race 6.
Many thanks for posting these Cyc. Lovely fairytale story on Miracles Of Life and full marks to connections for sticking with Lauren (who cut a fine figure when they zoomed in on her rear end after the post). All Too Hard looks a monster prospect - as the commentator said, a dazzling turn of foot. Was that his debut run?
No mate, All Too Hard has had 11 starts. He won his first three as a two year old, then struggled for a few runs in Sydney where he's trained, before going to Melbourne for the Caulfield Guineas, which he won. They then took a huge step and lobbed him into the Cox Plate where he ran a cracking race in running second to Ocean Park. He then won the Orr Stakes and then today's race. There is a lot of his sister in him Oddy, build wise.
There has been a bit of talk about a trip to the UK for him, but it's unlikely that you see his sister again.
I thought there was talk of her popping over to see Frankel and having a run at Royal Ascot during the trip? Thought I saw something from Princess on that
Racing now is a race to race proposition. There is a chance she may go onto the Newmarket at Flemington, but they are looking possibly at the William Reed Stakes at Moonee Valley in late March. There has also bee talk of either Brisbane or Adelaide. But the Reed seems like it might be next. The trainer on a number of occasions has played down the option of a race in the UK. Having won as she did though, who knows, they may decide to take another shot at England.
It would be great if she came over and trounced everything, on the bridle and breaking a course record. That would be a fitting end to her career. Conversely, if she came over and got beaten it would be very, very sad.
I can't see those races. I found the race on Youtube but the commentary was of a different race.. weird.
