Noted Randwick trackman Craig Tompson on Tuesday declared the Gai Waterhouse-trained No Looking Back a ‘better horse’ than her stablemate Driefontein after a Magic Millions Classic rematch between the ace fillies occurred.
No Looking Back (outside) will likely be Gai Waterhouse's sole 2012 Blue Diamond Stakes starter
Smart Redoute’s Choice filly No Looking Back was first past the post in the $2 million Magic Millions Classic on the Gold Coast back on January 14.
She failed to officially retain her unbeaten status, however, when regulated to runner-up behind her shorter-priced stablemate Driefontein upon protest.
But No Looking Back proved once again she could get the better of Fastnet Rock filly Driefontein when she won a trackwork battle at Randwick’s Kensington track over 800m yesterday morning.
No Looking Back finished in 55.3 seconds, covering the final 200m in a smart 12.2 seconds, Driefontein failing to challenge.
“No Looking Back was the winner, no protest,” Tompson said.
“She finished in front of it (Dreifontein) again.
“No Looking Back went better, it’s a better horse.”
While fortune, or lack of, sees No Looking Back’s record stand at one win and a second, Driefontein is officially unbeaten in her three starts to date that also includes a win in the Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Doomben from New Year’s Eve.
No Looking Back was yesterday one of 64 two-year-olds paid up for at third declaration stage for the $1 million Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) which runs at Caulfield on February 25.
She currently pays $8 in the Blue Diamond Stakes odds at Luxbet, an equal price with the fellow Waterhouse-trained Raceway.
Warwick Farm winning gelding Raceway, however, is unlikely to be part of the 2012 Blue Diamond Stakes final field with Waterhouse indicating she would pay final acceptances for just one of the duo.
“I’m going to send either Raceway or No Looking Back to Melbourne for the Blue Diamond,” she said.
“My preference is probably No Looking Back as she is more seasoned.”
No Looking Back is also heading towards a run in the world’s richest race for two-year-olds, the $3.5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on April 7.
The Golden Sipper 2012 is also the main autumn aim for Driefontein.
After the Australian Turf Club released their official 2012 Golden Slipper Order of Entry based on prizemoney this week, Driefontein sits No. 1 on the ballot with her impressive earnings having already surpassed the million dollar mark, $138,000 of which is Golden Slipper qualified.
The next step towards revealing this year’s Golden Slipper final field will occur on Tuesday February 7 when second declarations for the exciting Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival feature will be taken.
Stay tuned to Races.com.au for all the upcoming Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper field and betting updates.
In the meantime, check out the latest 2012 Blue Diamond Stakes futures markets open now at Luxbet and lock in your early picks at the guaranteed best prices.
Don’t have a Luxbet account? Join Australia’s leading online bookie today quoting the code BONUSBET to have your first deposit matched 100% as a bonus bet valued up to $400!
