2017 Blue Diamond Preview
This year’s edition of the Blue Diamond appears to be a very even affair without a standout 2 year old in Melbourne.
Unlike last year with the likes of Extreme Choice and Flying Artie dominating the market, this year’s race is a very good betting race with Catchy the $5.50 favourite in what is an open betting race. The Hayes/Dabernig filly comes off winning the prelude for the fillies back on Feburary 11.
On that occasion she pinned her ears back in impressive fashion and ran her last 200 in 11.02. She will relish the extra 100 metres on Saturday and if she finds some cover from gate 13 she will be well in the finish.
The two Coolmore fillies in Formality ($7.50) and Tulip ($6.50) are also both firm in the market. Tulip was very short priced favourite last start and she was just edged out by the Darren Weir-trained Limestone over the 1000 metres. She will be get back and enjoy the frantic pace the Blue Diamond should provide. That form ties directly into Catchy, and she will most likely improve out to the 6 furlongs. She’s been supported through the week with BlueBet.com.au firming $9 into $6.50 since the barrier draw on Tuesday.
Now onto the colts. Ciaran Maher-trained Jukebox ($7.50) draws to be handy on his home track. Despite getting all the favours last start, it’s likely his best racing is yet to come. He hasn’t had a gut buster to date, appears to have plenty of upside and will look the winner at some stage.
Another home tracker drawn well is Property ($7) in barrier 3. The Robert Smerdon trained colt edged out Pariah last start and again maps to get the run of the race. The booking of Joao ‘The Magic Man’ Moreira is a big plus and he appears to be coming through the ideal preparation. He will be in front of Pariah ($6.50) again in the run however with the extra distance, the son of Redoute’s Choice can turn the tables on his last start conqueror. Peter & Paul Snowden are the masters of getting their horse to peak on grand final day and he would’ve taken improvement from his first start at Caulfield. Pariah can capture another 2 year-old Group One for the James Harron Bloodstock juggernaut.
Best Bet – Pariah $6.50
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Blue Bet Words: Jack McLoughlin
