Stokes Confident of Improved Comprende in Blue Diamond Preview

Placing a credible third amongst classy competition in her racing return on January 10th, trainer Phillip Stokes is confident two-year-old Comprende will be far-better for the competition when line up for the Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview F (1000m) at Sandown on Monday.

Phillip Stokes is confident of a more convincing performance from second-up Comprende in the Blue Diamond Preview for fillies. Photo: Sarah Ebbett

Phillip Stokes is confident of a more convincing performance from second-up Comprende in the Blue Diamond Preview for fillies. Photo: Sarah Ebbett

Jumping from the gates poorly in the Schweppes Plate (1000m) at her local Morphettville racecourse, jockey Dom Tourneur pressed the I Am Invincible filly forward and settled mid-pack, progressing nicely but was unable to match the late pace of eventual winner Manhattan Blues, finishing a length-and-a-half off the pace.

Pleased with the form displayed and worked completed by Comprede over the days since, Stokes told Racing Ahead he will use the 2015 Blue Diamond Preview as a form indicator as to where his runner fits into the two-year-old equation.

“She went into her first-up run the other day without a trial or jump out and just basically blew out the last 200m, so she’s taken good improvement from that,” Stokes said.

“Her work on Tuesday was impressing.

“I think the form will be quite good – we had a wet track and I think the time was pretty good too.

“She bombed the start and she sort of came at them like she was going to go past but she was just found wanting so we’ll see where she lies on Monday.”

Pleased to have confirmed the services of jockey Luke Nolen for the Blue Diamond Preview, Stokes is confident Comprende will develop into a far-better horse come her three-year-old campaign.

“Luke Nolen will take the ride,” he said.

“I don’t think the penny’s really dropped with her either. I think she’ll be a better horse as a three-year-old when she’s probably got the scope to get out to a mile.”

Claiming an impressive barrier trial win at Morphettville prior to her racing debut, Comprende performed well in her racing debut; the Group 3 Emirates Airline Plate (1000m) on November 4th, but did not have the extra gear for which to challenge the likes of Antelucan and Thurlow, finishing sixth.

Charged with carrying just 55kgs, Comprende will leave from the ideal barrier 4 in the 2015 Blue Diamond Preview for fillies.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.