Talented three-year-old Gypsy Diamond has overcome a poor start to win the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on day 1 of The Championships this afternoon.
Gypsy Diamond takes out the Carbine Club Stakes 2014. Photo: Steve Hart
Allocated the ideal barrier 6 for the Carbine Club Stakes, Gypsy Diamond had a lot of work to do early after missing the starting, moving forward over the back straight to settle within the pack behind early leaders O’Reilly’s Revenge, Liberty’s Choice and Ryker.
Appearing to be out of contention when blocked for a run in the final straight, jockey James McDonald found a small gap between runners for the Not A Single Doubt filly, breaking through to find the line two lengths in the clear of rank outsider Casino Dancer and Rock Sturdy.
Trainer John O’Shea was understandably pleased with Gypsy Diamond’s ability to overcome the poor start, crediting James McDonald for a brilliant ride.
“It was a really good effort” O’Shea said following the Carbine Club Stakes.
“Things didn’t quite go to plan early but as James does, he never panics and got the job done.
“He’s going well and another great execution from James.
“She’s been going well all prep and loves being at Randwick” O’Shea said of the talented filly.
In-form jockey James McDonald delivered a sensation ride on Gypsy Diamond in the Carbine Club Stakes, securing his second victory with the three-year-old after claiming the Group 2 Don’t Hold Back F Classic (1600m) in October.
“I’ve had a lot of luck in these colours; it’s good to put them on” McDonald said after the race.
“She’s a very dominant filly, her form has been outstanding and her trial was outstanding.
“I didn’t have a lot of options; just kept tagging up and pinching ground. The result was good.”
Covered in mud and sod after dismounting Gypsy Diamond, McDonald said the soft conditions of the Royal Randwick track made for a particularly testing race.
“It’s very hard work – it’s like riding in a 2000 metres race but it was only a mile, but we’re lucky to be here on a great horse with great horses” McDonald said.
An appearance in next weekend’s major Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) now appears the likely target for Gypsy Diamond this season.
Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best odds on all races on today’s impressive Randwick race card!
Punters who have signed up for the all-new Ladbrokes Card and backed Gypsy Diamond to win the 2014 Carbine Club Stakes are already offered the opportunity to take full advantage of their winnings!
2014 Carbine Club Stakes Results
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | GYPSY DIAMOND | John O’Shea | James McDonald | – | 5 | 57kg | $2.70F |
| 2 | 12 | CASINO DANCER | Mike Van Gestel | Chad Schofield | 2L | 6 | 54kg | $26 |
| 3 | 8 | ROCK STURDY | Joseph Pride | Hugh Bowman | 2.5L | 11 | 56kg | $6 |
| 4 | 4 | LIBERTY’S CHOICE | Gai Waterhouse | Tommy Berry | 3L | 4 | 56kg | $13 |
| 5 | 7 | MALICE | Peter Snowden | Kerrin McEvoy | 3.1L | 8 | 56kg | $7.50 |
| 6 | 6 | RYKER | Gai Waterhouse | Tim Clark | 3.6L | 3 | 56kg | $31 |
| 7 | 13 | CAST IN STONE | Bart & James Cummings | Craig Williams | 5.1L | 7 | 54kg | $31 |
| 8 | 5 | GAMBLESTOWN (NZ) | Guy Walter | Jim Cassidy | 6.1L | 1 | 56kg | $15 |
| 9 | 10 | O’REILLY’S REVENGE (NZ) | Bede Murray | Blake Shinn | 6.5L | 10 | 56kg | $31 |
| 10 | 2 | EQUATOR | Gai Waterhouse | Nash Rawiller | 11.3L | 9 | 56kg | $7 |
| 11 | 3 | SINJOREN | Peter Snowden | Christian Reith | 16.6L | 2 | 56kg | $17 |
