With the Magic Millions carnival now behind us, the attention turns to Melbourne and the Blue Diamond events. The first of which is for the boys and sees a field of eleven, five of whom are making their debut, line up. Kuroshio and Thermal Current head the market at $3.60 and $3.20 respectively.
Blue Diamond Preview (Colts and Geldings) Form Guide
1. KUROSHIO – K McEvoy (4)
Darley runner who won on debut when scoring a head victory up the Flemington straight back on the 6th October, before stepping out a fortnight later, for a third (beaten 2 ¼ lengths) behind the smart juveniles Villa Verde and Overreach. Drawn well and has demonstrated the ability to be more than competitive here.
Odds: $3.60
2. THERMAL CURRENT – L Nolen (2)
Moody trained galloper by Exceed and Excel who was sent out an 11/4 favourite on debut a fortnight back in an Open event at Flemington (1000m). He settled at the tail of the field but made good ground late to finish a head second to Ms Funovits. Dam, Soaressa was a smart performer and was a Listed winner in Adelaide and placed in Listed company in Victoria. Only takes benefit from the first up run but would have liked to have seen him draw a little wider if he is to get back again.
Odds: $3.20
3. MAGNARO – C Newitt (1)
Son of Magnus who was a well beaten third to Isolation at Mornington on debut before recording a length win in a Werribee Maiden, defeating five others. Had every chance at his last start and from one, may well get another nice run in transit but still think the step up from a Werribee Maiden to this company will be a leap too far.
Odds: $51.00
4. EXCITABLE BOY – B Melham (5)
Made his debut in the Listed Superracing Stakes in October, settled third and chased hard, finishing third to Kuroshio (beaten a length). He was then immediately spelled and we haven’t seen him since, not even at the trials but showed enough on debut, combined with his good draw here, to be considered a legitimate chance.
Odds: $5.00
5. MAL’S PRIDE – J Benbow (7)
Sat on the speed and recorded a length win at an Echuca Maiden on debut at 12/1. A gelding by Happy Giggle out of Strategic mare, Best Laid Plans who only had the four race starts and this, her first foal to race.
Odds: $31.00
6. FAST ‘N’ ROCKING – C Schofield (6)
Like a few of his competitors here, he also made his debut in the Listed Superracing Stakes back in October last year, finishing seventh of ten (beaten 7.2 lengths). He was a 15/1 quote on that occasion and offered little in the straight and was immediately tipped out. Making his return to racing here but prefer to see him.
Odds: $41.00
7. DISSIDENT – V Duric (8)
The first of the debutants, this one by Golden Slipper winner Sebring and from the Moody stables. His dam, Diana’s Secret – has only the one other foal to race, Karma Is Good (Haradasun) who has had the one start and was well beaten in a Newcastle Maiden.
Odds: $7.50
8. LUCKY STRIKER – G Boss (11)
A Strategic colt from the Dean Howard yards at Cranbourne. His dam “Critical” has had four foals to the races for two winners, the most notable being her first foal Storm Strike who raced with some success in Singapore.
Odds: $51.00
9. MON GATEAU – C Williams (9)
By Bel Esprit out of a Zedative mare called Zedski who has two foals to race thus far (Lord Wolsey and Lisa Fashionista) both of whom are winners. Looked good in winning a trial in Adelaide on the 18th January by two lengths but a big ask to take out a race of this quality first up.
Odds: $8.00
10. OUR SINGLE DOUBT – J Noonan (10)
Mornington Trainer Jerome Hunter has this colt by Not A Single Doubt who makes his debut. He is the first colt for the dam – Countess Mia and hasn’t been seen at the trials.
Odds: $31.00
11. THE BRONX – W Egan (3)
Local trainer Brian Cozamanis prepares this son of Statue of Liberty at of a mare call Tegula – a half sister Group 1 winner Triple Honour. Not seen at the trials.
Odds: $21.00
OVERVIEW
Sticking with the horses that we’ve had the opportunity to see previously here, and the top two runners do stand out. Good efforts already on the board, drawn well, bred well and from good yards.