The Anthony Freedman trained Lyre is the race morning favourite in a wide betting market for the 2019 Group 1 $1.5m Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield today.
Lyre, above, is the race morning favourite for the 2019 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Six of the fourteen runners to contest the Group 1 for the two year olds are under the $10 mark at Ladbrokes.com.au with Lyre sitting at the top of the market order at $5.50 just ahead of Loving Gaby at $7, Athiri at $7.50, Vinicunca at $8.50 and I Am Immortal and Catch Me at $9.50.
Lyre put herself into contention for the Blue Diamond Stakes with a stunning win in the Group 2 $200,000 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Prelude (Fillies) (1100m) at Caulfield a fortnight ago and her price at Ladbrokes.com.au since has continued to tumble in from $9 to be the punter’s pick on race morning.
Luke Currie replaced Damian Lane on Lyre and Freedman said the Lonhro filly has improved since her win in the Blue Diamond Prelude and he can see her getting a lovely run from barrier five.
“She was a dominant winner of the Blue Diamond Prelude over 1100 metres two weeks ago and her work this week suggests she has taken improvement out of the victory and she will enjoy the extra 100 metres today,” Freedman said in his race day preview on his website.
“Drawn well in barrier five she should position herself in the first half of the field, with all favours in running, she looks the filly to beat.”
Freedman will also saddle up I Am Immoral and is also giving the unbeaten colt a great chance to keep his winning record intact after producing his best gallop during the week.
Ben Melham has stuck with I Am Immortal who is expected to cross the field from barrier nine and take up his usual position in front.
“Unbeaten in both the Preview (1000m) and Prelude (1100m), both in fast times,” Freedman said.
“He is a colt that makes his own luck in front and will race in ear muffs, gear he wears daily in all his work.”
“His work on Tuesday morning was the best of his preparation and he is set to peak for today’s race. He is the benchmark colt to date and with his fighting spirit he could be hard to get past over the final stages.”
