Warwick Farm trainer Gary Portelli has scratched his smart filly Secret Lady after drawing a wide barrier in the 2018 fillies version of the Group 3 $150,000 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Secret Lady, above, has been withdrawn from the Fillies Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Preview at Caulfield because of a wide barrier. Photo by Steve Hart.
Portelli revealed earlier in the week that Secret Lady would only travel south of the Murray River if she drew a nice barrier, but the Choisir filly was handed the ten marble in the eleven horse field.
“We thought we would nominate her and if she drew well enough we’ll run,” Portelli told AAP.
“The Blue Diamond Preview was there as an option if she came back from the Magic Millions in good order”
“I thought it might be too much for most two-year-olds but this girl is such a good doer and she puts on weight easily and has a great recovery rate.
“She came back from the Gold Coast looking like she was ready to win.
“She one of those horses who carries a bit more condition than most and now she looks like she’s right.”
Melbourne jockey Ben Melham had been booked to keep his association with Secret Lady in the Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Preview after partnering the filly when second in an 1100m two year old Plate at Randwick on December 30 and when fifth to Sunlight in the $2m Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 13.
Last start winners Crossing The Abbey and Lady Horseowner as well and the Tony McEvoy trained Oohood are the only runners to have had race experience following the withdrawal of Secret Lady while the remaining seven fillies are all facing the starter for the first time.
Crossing The Abbey has drawn barrier five with Craig Williams retaining the mount after steering her to victory down the Flemington straight on New Year’s Day in a 1000m two year old Plate.
Last start Moonee Valley winner Lady Horseowner has drawn just worse than midfield at barrier seven with Nikita Beriman in the saddle again and Luke Currie takes the mount on Oohood who will wear a barrier blanket for the first time when she jumps from gate eight.
Peter and Paul Snowden’s first starter Pure Elation looked impressive in winning a 807m Warwick Farm barrier trial in October and has drawn in close at three for Michael Walker.
Final field for the fillies 2018 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Preview
| # | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2125 | SECRET LADY | Gary Portelli | Ben Melham | 10 | 57kg | 70 |
| 2 | 4×1 | CROSSING THE ABBEY | Tim Hughes | Craig Williams | 5 | 55kg | 68 |
| 3 | 1 | LADY HORSEOWNER | Greg Eurell | Ms Nikita Beriman | 7 | 55kg | 66 |
| 4 | 2x | OOHOOD | Tony McEvoy | Luke Currie | 8 | 55kg | 66 |
| 5 | – | DOWNLOADS | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Mark Zahra | 9 | 55kg | – |
| 6 | – | DU WELL | Robbie Griffiths | Ryan Maloney | 11 | 55kg | – |
| 7 | – | HARD TO COME BY | Mick Sell | Jack Hill | 6 | 55kg | – |
| 8 | – | ININDEED | Aaron Purcell | Damian Lane | 2 | 55kg | – |
| 9 | – | LAKE DISTRICT GIRL | Tony McEvoy | Andrew Mallyon | 4 | 55kg | – |
| 10 | – | PURE ELATION | Peter & Paul Snowden | Michael Walker | 3 | 55kg | – |
| 11 | – | TATIARA | Robbie Laing | Damien Oliver | 1 | 55kg | – |
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