With three wins and a further three placings, the stable could not be happier with what proved to be an outstanding Cup Day for the team. The upset win of Celestial Sea in the Group One Nevele R fillies final over a class field of fillies was clearly the individual highlight for the Diamond Racing team.
While Celestial Sea had raced consistently well in top fields throughout this campaign, a succession of bad draws, including in yesterday’s final, saw her go out unwanted in the betting in yesterday’s Group One as the 9th favourite. However, with the race run at a genuine pace throughout and a perfect drive from John, the filly was positioned to strike at the right time getting up over a game Arafura right on the line.
Out of the early rush for positions early, John was able to get a perfect position just beyond midfield but following the well supported Duchess Of Kent. With a three-wide line that struggled to progress on the hot pace, both runners were well poised for a late bid once the gaps appeared. As Bob Butt plotted the perfect pass for his charge, easing into the clear around the final bend, Celestial Sea also began to loom large getting into the clear. Over the last 100m she came with an undeniable charge to get home over a game Arafura – three wide throughout – and Duchess Of Kent.
It was the Always Be Miki filly’s 5th, but most important win from just the 16 starts, taking her stake earnings to over $150,000 for owners Fitzgerald Family Syndicate, P R Bielby, G J Steel, C J Dunnett, M Roberts, Diamond Racing Stables Ltd. She will now progress to next week’s New Zealand Oaks over the 2600m.
Another deserving winner yesterday was trotter Bounce N Beyond. Only just denied in the feature trot the previous week at Kaikoura, Bounce N Beyond had been so honest and consistent this time in. Given a perfect sit three back on the outer throughout, John elected to go forward with purpose at the 600m and was in front and full of running at the 400m. While getting leg weary over the last 100m, the Majestic Son 4yo showed real tenacity to get the job and hold on for the 9th win of his career.
It’s Tough has been a real star on the rise this time in and had won six of his last seven starts before contesting his assignment yesterday over the 1980m. He again showed his class as he registered the 8th win of his career, but not without a fight down the home straight as he fought tooth and nail to head a game Sideshow Bruce and Bob Butt. Both drivers signalled their intentions early coming off the gate hard and over getting to the markers first, John was happy to hand up to the second favourite. As Bob Butt was allowed to dictate the tempo out in front, it was always going to come down to some fast-closing sectionals to decide the contest. It was It’s Tough that did best up the passing lane to just get his nose in front. Both runners will no doubt lock horns again in a weeks’ time in the Group One Christian Cullen 4yo Classic.