GROUP 1 FIELDS

Caulfield R7 Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Stakes  1200m

Comment: After the barrier the race is wide open with a few of the serious winning chances drawing appallingly. Luck & fitness the main keys to finding the winner, whichever horse stands up to going flat out at such an early age & gets the favours in the run will be winning.

Originally we were a Jimando fan however it is impossible to see him winning from where he has drawn. His win in the Debutante was emphatic, his first up run was outstanding after being taken on left, right & centre & with the extra fitness on his side & the possibility he could take a sit, he looked the goods. Will far too much luck for our liking however he is possibly the best 2yo in the race.

Samaready looked sensational winning the Prelude a fortnight ago  with the second horse narrowly beaten since franking the form. He is drawn okay, should get a nice run just off the speed & will give backers a great sight in the straight.

The Travelling Man looks like he has improved since the spring & gets his chance from a good draw to be in the finish. Would not want to see him in front in this race as there will be speed a plenty however if Melham can get a sit in behind the speed he should be there at the finish.

Mamas Choice won very well on debut however sometimes that form can be flattering especially off a hectic pace. Dunn will no doubt go back from the barrier & he knows how to ride them to win a Blue Diamond, so the filly certainly has strong claims. Just a slight concern over the form of that race.

The Magic Millions form rarely stands up in this race however no matter how you look at that race No Looking Back should never have had the race taken off her. Alas, no luck at the barriers here & she will need plenty of luck, but still a chance should she obtain it in the run.

There are a few who have used the back door to get into the field including Armed For Action (whose name should never have been allowed after a great Queensland galloper of the 80s & 90s), & Bush Aviator. Doubtful either of those have beaten horses of the quality a Blue Diamond throws up.

There are also a few who simply do not appear to have done enough in recent runs to beat the better 2yos. Cambioso, Ferment, Rusambo, Andre Roo Hoo, Real Stolle, Members Joy, all fall into this category & we are happy to risk them.

 General Rippa appears to be just below the very top class it takes to win a Diamond. Formidable gets back & runs on & will need plenty of luck while Applegate looked good winning on debut however was most disappointing last start. In saying that, none of three would be a surprise winner in our books.

Not a betting race in our opinion although there are fewer genuine winning chances than the capacity field suggests there might be.

Selections:
1 #10 Samaready
2 #2 Jimando
3 #4 The Traelling Man
4 #12 Formidable

Best of luck & profitable punting to all this Blue Diamond Stakes Day .....