KEY POINTS:
She's a close relative to the great Lonhro and races in the same colours as top New Zealand mare Seachange.
But Te Awamutu trainer Robert Priscott remains ever confident his smart 2-year-old filly, Diamond Deck, will become well known in her own right in Brisbane and Melbourne in
the next six months.
Diamond Deck's first campaign steps up to the semi-final stage at Brisbane's Eagle Farm today in the group two A$250,000 ($282,000) Sires Produce Stakes (1400m).
Priscott said all reports from Brisbane were positive as she prepared for her final lead-up to the group one TJ Smith (1600m) on June 11.
"So far everything's fallen into place with her," Priscott said. "She showed a bit more dash than I thought she would last start, she's gone on the right way and 1400m appeals at this stage."
Diamond Deck is sure to be well backed on both sides of the Tasman today after a solid third at her first Australian run, a length behind the Gai Waterhouse-trained Keiki, in the Champagne Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on May 19.
After having a good run midfield on the fence, Diamond Deck ran home strongly after taking some time to work into the clear, suggesting anything further would be suitable.
"Eventually, I think she'll get to 2400m. She's such a relaxed filly and we're looking at Melbourne in the spring (the VRC Oaks over 2500m)."
Today will be Diamond Deck's third career start, after an unlucky second to Mirandola on debut at Avondale on Anzac Day.
Safely through the Sires Produce, she will attempt to emulate Darci Brahma who won the TJ Smith for trainer Mark Walker in 2005.
Australian bookmakers yesterday rated Diamond Deck an $8 chance, behind the Clarry Conners-trained Apercu, a $4.50 favourite. Diamond Deck is also at $8 for the TJ Smith nine days later.
She drew barrier nine in the 18-horse field, a minor concern for Priscott who hoped jockey Michael Rodd would position the filly in the first six in the running.
New Zealand-trained horses have a good chance of black type success today.
Mike Moroney's filly, Eskimo Queen, was a drifting $4.20 favourite for the group one A$400,000 Queensland Oaks (2400m).
Roger James' mare, Gaze, will be the best-backed of the four Kiwi runners, which include Pentathon, Gorgeous George and Ring Of Fire, in the A$250,000 PJ O'Shea Stakes (2200m) after her second to Cinque Cento in the group one Doomben Cup (2020m) on May 19.
- NZPA