Trainer Ciaron Maher is content with Loving Gaby drawing a wide barrier in the 2019 Group 1 $1.5m Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Loving Gaby, above, has drawn a wide barrier in the 2019 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Loving Gaby, above, has drawn a wide barrier in the 2019 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Maher was hoping for a double figure barrier in the final fourteen horse Blue Diamond Stakes field and said that Loving Gaby will be suited jumping from gate twelve.

“I was happy enough there (barrier 12),” Maher told the Herald Sun.

“I was hoping for around 10.”

“You don’t want to get boxed up on the rail. She should break better than what she did the other day. She’s in good order, she’s ready to go.

“She wouldn’t be as sharp as some of the others into gear but if she’s within striking distance of them on the turn, I’d say she’d give them some curry.”

Loving Gaby has had one race start for the Caron Maher – David Eustace training partnership for a very impressive last to first victory in the Group 3 $160,000 Ladbrokes Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield on February 2.

Damian Lane was aboard Loving Gaby for her debut win and will stick with the I Am Invincible filly in the Blue Diamond Stakes.

Loving Gaby is the current $4.80 favorite at Ladbrokes.com.au for the Blue Diamond Stakes ahead of market firmer Lyre at $6 and Athiri at $7.50.

The Anthony Freedman trained Lyre raced into Blue Diamond Stakes contention with a win at double figure odds in the Group 2 $200,000 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Prelude (Fillies) (1100m) at Caulfield on February 9 with Athiri finishing a solid third.

Lyre has drawn nicely at barrier five with Luke Currie in the saddle while Craig Williams rides Athiri who has drawn out wide at gate thirteen.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.