Diamond Tathagata Scores Fighting Skyline Stakes Win

Diamond Tathagata finished over the top of Coruscate to win the 2017 Skyline Stakes at Royal Randwick this afternoon and deliver trainer Mark Newnham the biggest win of his career.

Diamond Tathagata caught a tiring Coruscate in the 2017 Skyline Stakes at Royal Randwick this afternoon. Photo by: Steve Hart

Diamond Tathagata caught a tiring Coruscate in the 2017 Skyline Stakes at Royal Randwick this afternoon. Photo by: Steve Hart

Diamond Tathagta took up the running in the Skyline Stakes with Glyn Schofield in the saddle and he looked as though he was going to miss the placings when he was challenged by both All Day and Coruscate at the top of the straight.

Coruscate kicked clear with 200 metres left to run and looked as though he was going to run away with the Skyline Stakes, but  Diamond Tathagata fought back in the final 100 metres and got his head down at the right time to steal victory.

Diamond Tathagata was having just his second race start after he was beaten by Golden Slipper favourite She Will Reign on debut in the Inglis Nursey (1000m) at Royal Randwick on December 17 and his victory further enhances the form around the star filly.

There was still plenty to like about the performance of Coruscate as he shown a genuine turn-of-foot when asked for an extra effort by Brenton Avdulla and he is sure to take plenty of improvement out of his Skyline Stakes defeat.

The placings were rounded out by Wyong Magic Millions Classic runner-up Single Bullet, while the well-bred Eden Roc found the line fairly for fourth.

The Skyline Stakes victory of Diamond Tathagata was easily the biggest victory for Mark Newnham as a trainer and will give his business a genuine push.

Newnham was the long-term foreman for Gai Waterhouse and has not had a great deal of luck since he became a trainer in his own right.

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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.