Diamond Drille scored an impressive victory from Greatwood and Hooked in the opening barrier trial over 1250 meters at Royal Randwick this morning.
Diamond Drille produced a strong performance in a barrier trial over 1250 metres at Royal Randwick this morning. Photo by: Steve Hart
The 2014 Queen Of The Turf Stakes winner jumped from the gates well, but it was stablemate Greatwood who took up the running in the early stages of the trial and he pulled clear of the rest of the field at the 800 metre mark.
Jockey Tommy Berry angled Diamond Drille off the fence coming into the straight and she challenged Greatwood without being asked for an extra effort, while Australian Derby placegetter Hooked was under the whip in the final stages.
Metropolitan Handicap hopeful Iggi Pop, John Thompson-trained Tremec and imported stayer Tres Blue were all given quiet trials and finished towards the tail of the field.
Diamond Drille was making her second public appearance since her upset victory in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on April 19 after finishing third behind Splash Out and Greatwood in a barrier trial at the same venue on July 18.
The daughter of Al Maher is set to remain in mares company during the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival and will have the opportunity to score her second win at Group 1 level in the Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day.
Greatwood is yet to make his racing debut in Australia, but he has impressed in his two barrier trial appearances to date and looks to have adjusted well to his new environment in Sydney.
Hooked was the only galloper in the barrier trial that was asked for an extra effort and he has not been overly impressive in his two barrier trial starts this preparation.
The Casino Prince entire was unable to record a race win during the 2014 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, but he was a consistent performer at Group 1 level; finishing fifth in the Royal Randwick Guineas (1600m), fifth in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and third in the Australian Derby (2400m).
Chris Waller-trained Foreteller was also having his second barrier trial start this campaign and he looks on track to return to the races in the Group 2 Warwick Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on August 23 after working home strongly.
Melbourne Cup favourite The Offer was included in the acceptances for the trial, but was withdrawn from the field and will instead gallop between races at Rosehill Gardens tomorrow.
