Blue Diamond Stakes 2023 – Field Preview, Odds, Horses, Speed Map and Betting Tips

A capacity field of juveniles will battle it out for Group l glory this Saturday at Sandown in the Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m).

Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2023 Blue Diamond Stakes.

Market 💰: View the Odds for the Blue Diamond Stakes

2023 Blue Diamond Stakes Speed Map

Several of these only know one way to run, and that is fast from the outset. Party For Two led throughout two back and draws to use an inside gate to advantage, as does The Instructor. They potentially pair off and getting the suck run in behind should be Don Corleone. Zulfiqar is drawn wide and likely presses forward, potentially giving the cart over to Brave Halo.

2023 Blue Diamond Stakes Runner Preview:

1. Barber: Off raw times, he is a massive risk at the price. He ran much slower time in his Prelude win than Exploring did in her win, but to counter that, he was first up and J Kah was kind to him late. He’s unbeaten, he’s getting the job done…I just question how strong his overall form is, but in terms of Godolphin, this is clearly their #1 seed for the race and has been set for it.

2. Arkansaw Kid: He is one horse I am happy to pen. He resumed in the Millennium where admittedly, nothing went right for him, but he trialled poorly leading into that and the debut win on Cox Plate Day was just a win.

3. Zulfiqar: I am saying no to him winning. Just a win I thought in the Chairmans where he was fresh at 1000m, got a cheap lead and kicked when required to fend them off and win. Clearly more depth here, he’ll cop heat on speed and I think he’ll be one to fold.

4. Little Brose: Market said he was there to run well fresh in the Prelude and that he did, finding the line well enough to run second to Barber. I don’t think he can turn the tables, but he’s a nice horse who is genuine and will find the line. First four threat.

5. Brave Halo: Brave Halo is the only horse I want from the Blue Diamond Preludes. The WA colt resumed in the Boys Prelude and he should have won. He had zero luck in the straight when full of running under Olly and pretty much went to the line under a hold behind Barber. Give him clear air, let him roll early and build the revs to give him every chance. Hard to beat.

6. The Instructor: Beware the unbeaten colt who does his own thing on speed. Has been kept on since winning the Preview and I thought the recent trial alongside a flying Annavisto was pretty good. The obvious query is the end of 1200m, but history says, when this Lakeside track is on the firmer side, being on speed/forward of midfield is a big tick, which is why he commands respect.

7. Veecee: Smart debut win at Flemington before coming back to 1000m in the Chairmans and he just found them sharp but he fought on well enough to run second to Zulfiqar. The rise to 1200m does suit…just not 100% sold on him measuring up against some of these. He can win, but without me.

8. Don Corleone: Don Corleone has the talent under the hood to take this out. Both starts have come at Randwick, producing an outstanding performance to win on debut before being beaten as a short priced favourite last time, but with clear excuses. He was squeezed at the start and made his run nearer the inside, which was quicksand for the day, so forgive and forget. Grand Final trainers, Grand Final race, he has to be given another chance.

9. Exploring: She is in a similar boat to The Instructor. Doubt the 1200m will be run out strongly, but has the right racing pattern to give herself every chance. There to be beaten in the Prelude but she found, won, and ran faster time than Barber. Last bit will test, but I think she is one for exotics.

10. De Sonic Boom: Surprised most with a win on debut in the Preview before a down the track effort in the Prelude on a day where up/in was ideal. I think she has talent but not enough to say she is a Blue Diamond winner.

11. Party For Two: Very genuine filly from Queensland. She tried her guts out in the Prelude but couldn’t quite get there when second to Exploring. The way she kept finding the line, I think 1200m is fine for her, she’ll be on speed and has the hard fitness under the belt. Must for exotics.

12. Steel City: Purely on form, she’s a moral. On debut, second to Red Resistance and last start, second to Learning To Fly, two of the best juveniles seen this season. But, both runs she has been there to win the race but hasn’t attacked the line. Is that a sign that she is just an 1100m horse? Beaten by a couple of stars? Not sure, but if you trust the form, then she is clearly the one to beat.

13. Dubenenko: Could have run/won a weak 2YO race last Saturday back home in SA but they scratched and are having a throw at the stumps. Stable ran very well in this race with Free Of Debt a few years ago…I think this filly isn’t as good, but the first up win was dominant and the fillies have been stronger than the boys so far this season.

14. Cigar Flick: This is one of a few engaged who are having a throw at the stumps at Group l level. Had every chance in the Prelude and was very weak late. That was 1100m so 1200m here, happy to oppose.

15. Picky: Dodged the Prelude and has been kept on ice. Her Preview run behind De Sonic Boom was quite good and the run screamed of a horse wanting more ground, which she gets here. 1200m should be fine…just depends where she gets to in the run from the gate.

16. Extreme Threat: Just making up the numbers. Debuted in the Prelude and was a pass mark for start one behind Exploring but 1200m seems to be a genuine query with her. Happy to let her go through to the keeper.

17. Sensical (First Emergency): To me, she looks a Sires horse, or, find a weak race, get the kill, then have a crack at the Percy Sykes where $26+ is available. I’d be snapping that up because she looks well above average and could easily measure up here if she gets a run.

18.Beauty Rising (Second Emergency): Not good enough to trouble this lot.

2023 Blue Diamond Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:

Having a $100 Boxed First Four worth 5.95%, with the numbers 1-4-5-8-11-12-15-17.

Group l Strategy Outlay: $3450
Group l Strategy Return: $1873.50

Blue Diamond Stakes Odds:

1. Barber (9)

J: Ms Jamie Kah

T: James Cummings

2. Arkansaw Kid (4)

J: Jye Mcneil

T: Ben & Jd Hayes

3. Zulfiqar (15)

J: Ben Melham

T: James Cummings

4. Little Brose (7)

J: Michael Dee

T: Ben & Jd Hayes

5. Brave Halo (16)

J: Damien Oliver

T: S & J Casey

6. The Instructor (6)

J: Jordan Childs

T: G Waterhouse & A Bott

7. Veecee (14)

J: Ethan Brown

T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

8. Don Corleone (3)

J: Mark Zahra

T: Peter & Paul Snowden

9. Exploring (13)

J: Craig Williams

T: James Cummings

10. De Sonic Boom (8)

J: Daniel Moor

T: A & S Freedman

11. Party For Two (1)

J: Nikita Beriman

T: Damien Batters

12. Steel City (5)

J: Blake Shinn

T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

13. Dubenenko (11)

J: Dean Yendall

T: Chris Bieg

14. Cigar Flick (18)

J: Craig Newitt

T: Chris Waller

15. Picky (17)

J: Damien Thornton

T: Leon & Troy Corstens

16. Extreme Threat (2)

J: Blaike Mcdougall

T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr

17. Sensical (12)

J: Daniel Stackhouse

T: P G Moody

18. Beauty Rising (10)

J: Unknown

T: Phillip Stokes