Tough Diademe takes Westbury Classic

6 March 2013

A tough front-running performance saw Diademe (NZ) (Savabeel) land Group Three success in the Westbury Classic at Ellerslie on Wednesday.

Ridden by Opie Bosson, the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained mare crossed the line 1 1/4 lengths clear of class mare Final Touch (NZ) (Kashani) with Fleur de Lune (NZ) (Stravinsky)taking third prize.

“The plan was to sit on the pace but no one wanted to lead so I went to the front,” said Bosson. “She travelled beautifully and was still on the bit turning for home, when I gave her a squeeze she really gave me a lot.

“She is a class mare and I knew what she had. She is definitely a Group One horse, what she did in just one preparation last year was huge.”

Bred by Waikato Stud, Diademe (NZ) completed her first season of racing with three wins and four placing from seven starts and was having her first start this preparation on Wednesday.

She is set to be given her chance at Group One success shortly. Baker has nominated the four-year-old for the Gr.1 Doncaster Mile in April but was cautious about confirming a start in the feature Australian race, just yet.

“She is still in the Doncaster, but she would have to run well in the next couple to think about that,” he said.

“The Group One Breeders’ Stakes at Te Aroha (April 6th) looks to be a good option for her, she is just a very strong wilful horse and she likes to be there.

“I wouldn’t like to be married to her because she is one tough cookie.”

The Corner with Garry Chittick

The impact of an individual horse on our sport can have significant and lasting results. My Corner has, by and large, shied away from marketing Waikato Stud; however, O’Reilly is very special to us, and the performance of his grandson has prompted me to remind the two of you why I so often include him in my ramblings on the male effect on our industry.

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