Diddums upsets the fancied runners in the PJ Bell Stakes
BOTTOM weight bolter Diddums has caused the second big upset on day one of the Championships after taking out the PJ Bell Stakes under a brilliant front-running ride from Sam Clipperton.
The Gerald Ryan-trained filly burst out of the stalls to take an early lead and never handed up pole position. The $20 outsider at Sportsbet.com.au proceeded to dictate terms from the head of affairs and drove its rivals into the ground in impressive fashion.
Jockey Sam Clipperton said the horse’s quick beginning gave him plenty of confidence heading into the latter stages of the race.
“Gerald left it up to me whether I led or took a sit,” Clipperton said.
I got there effortlessly and was able to rate her and she was always going to give me a good kick. We stayed hard up against the fence.”
Prompt Response ($2.40 return at WilliamHill.com.au) held the back of the leader but could not find a kick to get past the leader and maintain the unbeaten run of horses jumping from barrier one.
Prompt Response’s jockey Blake Shinn said his horse had a “good run” but did not have enough in the tank to overtake the long-time leader.
“The winner was just too good.”
Three-year-old last start winner Smart Amelia came from the clouds to claim third and return $6.30 at Sportsbet.com.au.
For the second-straight race, a short priced favourite failed to make an impression.
Short priced favourite Raiment was never sighted in the race, and jockey James Doyle said the horse’s last run may have impacted its chances on Saturday.
“Very disappointing,” the English jockey said
“A big performance last start on this ground may have taken its toll today. They went slow so I improved albeit a little bit wide. The minute I straightened I was out on my feet.”
The run from the front was sensational for Diddums, and trainer Gerald Ryan was full of praise for his galloper in the aftermath of the race
“She is a filly who has kept improving,” Ryan said.
The trainer said a gear change was the catalyst for today’s stunning effort.
“She is as honest as they come. Before she raced we thought she’d win a country maiden. When I whacked the blinkers on her, she improved out of sight.”
“At the time Suspenders was going really well and she ran him to a half head at Canterbury one day then won easy in a good form race at Warwick Farm.”
Ryan said the race was always on the radar for Diddums, even if the owner had his doubts.
“I said to John Cornish then we’ll give this a month off and aim her at the PJ Bell. He was a bit sceptical about her being good enough but she worked well on Monday morning and proved it.”