Diamond Made To Australian Oaks After Adrian Knox Stakes Win

Diamond Made will head to the 2016 Australian Oaks at Royal Randwick next weekend after she stormed home from the tail of the field to record a remarkable win in the 2016 Adrian Knox Stakes.

Diamond Made flashed home from the tail of the field to take out the Adrian Knox Stakes at Royal Randwick this afternoon. Photo by: Steve Hart

Diamond Made flashed home from the tail of the field to take out the Adrian Knox Stakes at Royal Randwick this afternoon. Photo by: Steve Hart

Diamond Made went into the Adrian Knox Stakes as an $80 chance after she failed to beat home a runner in the Catholic Development Fund Maiden (2000m) at Kembla Grange on March 19, but she turned around her form in incredible fashion to earn a place in the Australian Oaks.

Jockey Glyn Schofield said that Diamond Made had been going well before her last start flop at Kembla Grange and he was not overly surprised to see her bounce back in the Adrian Knox Stakes.

“She has had the writing on the wall for quite some time and she got up to a trip that really suits her today,” Schofield said.

“She settled well, she was too free in the run the other day and it was nice switch back to a patient ride.

“It saw her finish strongly.

“If she has learnt anything from today it is to accelerate and hit the line, so next Saturday beckons and she will be taking her place in the Oaks.

“She has been a tad unlucky in some races and Bruce has done really well.”

Trainer Bruce Cross blamed a poor ride for the poor performance of Diamond Made at Kembla Grange and he always remained confident that the daughter of Duke Of Marmalade would be more than competitive when she got over more appropriate distances.

He did not confirm that she will head to the Australian Oaks next weekend, but he gave the indication that he will back her up in the Group 1 event.

“We have had a lot of luck with her, but up until today it has been all bad,” Cross said.

“It is nice to turn a corner.

“The young rider was a victim of circumstances and it is what it is, but that is the past and we will just look forward.

“From day one she has had a trip written all over her and we are very happy today.

“We might be here next Saturday.”

Alaskan Rose made up plenty of ground late to finish second and is also set to head to the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) next weekend.

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.