Mares don’t make it easy

1 April 2015

Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman have had issues to work through with their quality pair of Diademe and Sports Illustrated ahead of Saturday’s Group One feature at Te Aroha.

The Cambridge trainers have had to ride out a few bumps in the road along the way to the Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes.

Placed at the top level, Diademe won the Gr.3 Westbury Classic two runs back before she failed in the Gr.2 Japan/NZ Trophy.

“The track was a bit ordinary and it was quite cut up – that’s all we can put it down to and she had put in a funny one at Tauranga before,” Forsman said.

“She’s had a few setbacks and injuries along the way so we have to manage her. We would love to get a Group One with her.”

With regular rider Opie Bosson in Sydney to ride barn mate Mongolian Khan in the Gr.1 ATC Derby, central districts jockey Jonathan Riddell will partner Diademe.

“She’s an on pace horse and he’s a good, strong rider,” Forsman said.

Sports Illustrated suffered an injury when she ran second behind Rising Romance in February and has finished third in one subsequent appearance.

“She got galloped on and was in the box for a week,” Forsman said. “It’s never ideal and effectively she is going in second up – she was very fresh at Te Rapa.

“It’s a real shame that her preparation was interrupted and a bit of a worry going into a Group One.”

However, both Diademe and Sports illustrated, who will be ridden by Craig Grylls, have pleased in their work this week. – NZ Racing Desk.

-NZ RACING DESK

Rosehill success for Waikato Stud-bred Couples Retreat

Couples Retreat continued the strong form of Waikato Stud graduates, with the Super Seth mare producing a determined finish to win at Rosehill and record her fourth victory from 15 starts.

30 May 2026

Kia Kaha makes a winning return at Te Rapa

Kia Kaha continued the strong run of Waikato Stud sire Super Seth, producing an impressive first-up victory at Te Rapa. Bred by Gary Wallace, the promising four-year-old has now won twice from nine starts.