Claire Anderton is taking a realistic approach to The Diamond One’s bid for a hat-trick of wins in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Stakes on her home track on Saturday.
The Wingatui trainer has been encouraged by the six-year-old’s lead-up form, but realises the mare has to find another length or two to repeat her heroics of the past.
The Diamond One returned to action after a lengthy break to finish fifth in the Listed Mosgiel Stakes on Boxing Day and then ran second over 1200 metres at Gore, where she gave the winner Querer seven and a half kilos.
“It was eight months between runs and I had a couple of niggles with her before she resumed and 1400 metres would have been better for her last start, but she still acquitted herself really well,” Anderton said.“She’s looking for a mile and that’s what she gets on Saturday. Daniel Bothamley will ride her again, he gets along really well with her.”
Anderton is also hoping for the well-related Sofia Loren to provide a forerunner to weekend success when she runs in the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race at Gore on Thursday.“She’ll have a three kilo claim and she should be competitive,” she said. “She’s got ability and I thought I had her worked out, but she keeps changing the rules. She can be a bit quirky and keeps us on our toes.”
Sofia Loren is a half-sister to the recent Matamata winner and Gr.1 Wellfield NZ Oaks hopeful Sewreel.
