Welcome to the people’s Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes. One of the best 2 year old events on the racing calendar. With $1.5 million up for grabs its never a dull or boring race. All trainers, owners, and jockeys want to win this event, while its not a Grand Slam (Golden Slipper, Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup), its up there as one of most important races on the calendar to target and win! Besides the prize money and prestige up for grabs, millions can also be made in the breeding barn for a Blue Diamond Champion #chipsin #chasethesun
Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes (Group 1)
Long Leaf will start the favourite after putting three solid wins on the board. At his latest win, yes he got the dream split, but he was still strong to the line. 1200m won’t be a problem and he had plenty left in the tank. Barrier 7 gives Kerrin McEvoy plenty of options in what is usually ran at a frenetic pace. He is fresh and he will be hard to beat on Saturday.
Oohood has been expensive for punters so far, she has been bad for the heart rate and blood pressure, but geez she is great to watch savage the line while running ridiculous sectionals. Yes she is still a maiden but she has been running at the top level for her age and she finally gets out to the 1200m. She can sit 3 wide with cover from barrier 10, just sit off the stupid speed, and run over the top of the them late. She has the most upside in my humble opinion, and she will be storming home. Great each way value at $8.
Kinky Boom was ultra impressive at her only start blowing away a handy field. Barrier 14 won’t help her case but she is untapped and can run sizzling sectionals. Craig Williams usually has 10 horses to choose from for this race and he has a good record in picking the right one. Respect.
Plague Stone trialled enormous in Sydney before running on gamely at Caulfield. He will be better for that outing and he should peak on Saturday. He should get a gun run from barrier 6 and as Godolphin’s only representative I am sure he will be cherry ripe. Strong chance in a quality race. Ollivander is over the odds at $34 and is the best roughie in the race from the males division, while Lady Horseowner is a filly that represents juicy value at the $23. Prairie Fire is a chance on a quick back up after a strong headquarters victory last Saturday.
Selections: Oohood (16) – Plague Stone (8) – Long Leaf (1) – Kinky Boom (11)
Chips In Best Bet: Rosehill Race 7 Number 3 Kementari (20 units the win @$2.70)
Best Each Way: Caulfield Race 7 Number 16 Oohood (6 units the win 4 units the place @$8)
Best Roughie: Caulfield Race 8 Number 4 Hellbent (3 units the win 7 units the place @$14)
Next Best: Caulfield Race 4 Number 2 Smart Coupe (5 units the win 5 units the place @$4.50)
Best Place: Caulfield Race 1 Number 9 Bedford (2 units the win 8 units the place @$5/@$1.70)
Happy Punting!
Chase The Sun
@asichasethesun
Tony James Edser
