Oaks distance made for Diamond

Bruce Cross admits it’s been a while since he sent horses out at the top end of Sydney racing and he is looking forward to Diamond Made taking her place in the Australian oaks.

The filly surprised many with her win in Saturday’s Group Three Adrian Knox Stakes at $41 but Cross was always confident once she got to a suitable distance she would show her best.

The trainer of 2001 Epsom Handicap winner Final Fantasy, Cross thinks his last Group One starter was probably that horse’s full brother Padfoot Charlie who ran fourth in the 2005 Sydney Cup.

“We’ve been in hibernation,” Cross said.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday and the Oaks.

“Diamond Made has pulled up well from the race and will have a comfortable week leading into the Oaks.

“She got under everyone’s radar but I knew all along she had talent and that the 2000 metres would suit.

“We won’t be changing much in the lead-up and I’m sure she will run a creditable race.”

Sportsbet Australia

Cross has had much of his success with long time client Malcolm Chung who raced both final Fantasy and Padfoot Charlie but Diamond Made is a family affair.

“My brother John bred her from Showme Thediamonds, a mare he raced,” Cross said.

“She is the only mare he’s got and there is a full sister to Diamond Made coming through.”

Cross has five horses in work at Warwick Farm after his team was reduced by one with the recent sale of Canberra Guineas runner-up Just For Tilda to Hong Kong.

Diamond Made is a $51 chance for Saturday’s Classic over 2400 metres with Australian Derby runner-up Jameka the $3.50 favourite.

Happy Hannah, third in the Vinery Stud Stakes, is at $4.60 with Capella and Valley girl both at $8.

Both Valley Girl and Capella finished in front of Tavago in the New Zealand Derby with the latter a comprehensive winner of the Australian Derby on Saturday.

Vinery Stud winner Single Gaze is a $15 chance in the Oaks.

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