Another Diamond dominant in 55 Second Challenge upset
THE Jeep 55 Second Challenge belonged to two battlers of horse racing with trainer Bill Cerchi and jockey Jason Lyon winning with Another Diamond at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
The four-year-old mare was a last start winner by 2.5 lengths, but there weren’t many punters thinking it could beat the likes of Golden Spin and Brockhoff, but Bill Cerchi was able to secure a big price early in the betting.
“$61 on Saturday,” Cerchi claimed. “This is the best horse I’ve put a leg over for a long time.”
Another Diamond was put straight on the pace by Lyon and it kicked away on the turn for an impressive win at odds of $11 with Bet365. Lyon stated that the mare usually finds the longer distances a stretch too far, but the 955m was ideal.
“She’s in good form this filly. She showed a lot of speed last preparation. Probably a little weak at the end of her races, but she’s done it easy tonight,” Lyon said.
The $15,000 purchase at the Adelaide Magic Millions Weanling Sales has now won over $100,00 and Cerchi has plans to take the four-year-old to Tasmania before a possible run in the Sangster Stakes.
“Thinking about taking her over to Tassie,” Cerchi said. “She’s a bit high strung so taking her away might get her brain in order.
“Might go to the Sangster Stakes.”
Rock ‘n’ Gold and Brockhoff battled on well to fill the placings, but neither runner threatened the winner.
The disappointing run came from $2.50 favourite Golden Spin which was unable to recover from a poor start and finished fourth.