Picture: Steve Hart
Damage rerouted Diamond Diesel from his authentic path, however that has confirmed fortuitous for connections
Diamond Diesel has entered what would normally be thought to be the twilight of his profession, however the perfect may be but to return for the rising eight-year-old.
The gelding arrives at Saturday’s Civic Stakes (1400m) at Randwick in the hunt for his maiden black-type success having lumped massive weights to victory in benchmark grade at two of his previous three begins.
Sandwiched in between was a tricky efficiency within the Listed Takeover Goal Stakes (1200m) during which he completed fifth after enduring a large run.
Coach Adam Duggan is eager to offer Diamond Diesel one other crack at a function dash, notably at Randwick the place the horse is but to overlook a top-three end in 4 runs.
“The factor I like is when he wins, he doesn’t simply win, he has gained fairly comfortably each instances,” Duggan stated of Diamond Diesel’s current kind.
“Hopefully he will be aggressive on this grade. He went round within the Takeover Goal and had no luck that day, he was three-wide, no cowl and it was the place you didn’t wish to be.
“It’s a check for him, however he will get in with a light-weight weight and on a observe he appears like he has an actual liking for.”
Diamond Diesel began his profession with Group Hawkes however was bought to Hong Kong pursuits after successful a barrier trial.
He raced as soon as abroad earlier than fracturing a shoulder, prompting his return to Australia the place he ended up with Duggan.
Having his first begin for the Gosford coach as a late four-year-old, Diamond Diesel scored a house observe win and he has gone on to seize one other six races for connections since then.
“He has been a terrific money-spinner and earner for the homeowners and the secure,” Duggan stated.
“He retains taking that subsequent step, which is what you need – progressive horses – however normally they’re horses which might be three turning 4, not seven turning eight.
“He nonetheless has loads of tread on the tyres and that’s why we’re reaping the rewards with him now.”
Andrew Adkins will accomplice Diamond Diesel from barrier eight and Duggan is hoping the gelding can proceed the secure’s strong current run.
9 of Duggan’s final 50 runners have been winners, a file the coach is targeted on sustaining along with his boutique workforce.
“We solely have a small secure…. I haven’t bought plenty of ammunition so after I do, I prefer to have them able to go and positioned to benefit.
“It’s one thing I’ve all the time tried to do, to maintain that strikerate up.
“If he will get a pleasant run, he’s bought to be within the combine someplace.”
*Present prospects solely. 2nd Racing wager. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
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