Trainer Bjorn Baker has confirmed that he would like to see Diademe settled on the speed in the early stages of the 2015 Tattersall’s Tiara at the Gold Coast tomorrow.
Luke Tarrant will partner Diademe in the Tattersall’s Tiara if his original mount Tarloshan does not get a start in the Group 1 event at the Gold Coast tomorrow. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Diademe was settled just outside the leader when she finished a credible eight behind Amanpour in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on April 11, but she failed to show the same early speed in the Group 3 Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) at Scone on May 16 and he was last coming into the turn before she finished strongly to finish sixth behind Divertire.
Baker said that he expects Diademe to race much closer to the lead in the Tattersall’s Tiara this weekend and he believes that will give the Savabeel mare the best possible chance to finish her racing career with a maiden Australian Group 1 victory.
“All her runs have been better up on the speed,” Baker said.
“When she turned into the straight at Scone last I was perplexed to say the least and it was a good run that day.
“Where she came from she couldn’t win mathematically and I couldn’t be happier with her going into this race.
“I know that it is a great field and she is against top-notch mares, but I don’t think that she is completely out of it.
“We have the blinkers on and I’m sure that she can go forward.
“When Ryan Moore rode her at Randwick I think she led in the early stages of the race and to see her back last, I was surprised to say the least.
“She was a touch flat that day, she was dropping back to a mile from 1400, but she has been freshened up now and she had a good trial.
“We are in with a chance and she is running for new owners.
“I’m assuming it is her last race and regardless of what happens she has done a good job and she is worth a lot as a broodmare.”
Diademe is currently available at 2015 Tattersall’s Tiara odds of $51 after opening at $81 with Ladbrokes, while first emergency Najoom ($3.80) remains favourite from consistent mare Catkins ($4.60), Stradbroke Handicap winner Srikandi ($4.60), wet track specialist Avoid Lightning ($7), the narrow market mover Lumosty ($7.50) and Dane Ripper Stakes winner Hazard ($15).
