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Diamond at Southwell again today

Shaws Diamond has another crack at Southwell today. She's in a weak race with only 6 runners, so things are on her side. However, it remains to be seen whether the surface suits.

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She's currently trading around 10/1 and the race is off at 4.30.

UPDATE:

Blimey, this was the worst run I've seen her do. She finished 5th but last.

Shaw's Diamond was well away on the outside and travelled into third place as the field went into the bottom bend.

Adam Beschizza took the mare onto the inside as they went around the bottom turn but started to push her along on the crown of the bend.

On straightening up the front two took three lengths out of the rest of the field and Shaw's Diamond came quite wide into the straight.  She ran on well enough up the straight, but found the rest of the field coming back to her, losing a couple of places.

The winner went well clear in this race, whilst the rest of the field finished quite tightly bunched.  Unfortunately the mare was unable to hold the other challengers and finished at the back of the group.

Filed under  //   Horse Racing  
Posted February 2, 2012
 

Shaws Diamond at Southwell today

Our co-owned nag heads to the track again today, this time to Southwell. She has never raced here before which is significant because the track surface (Fibresand) is different from the other All Weather tracks. However, she showed promise on it a couple of weeks ago whilst in a training gallop so her trainer has decided to give her a shot a t it. She also drops back to 7f which is her ideal trip.

The race is off at 3.30 and she's currently on offer for 20/1, which would make a very nice each way bet.

UPDATE:

She finished 7th.

Shaw's Diamond was out of the stalls quite well, but did appear to just miss a leg in the opening two strides.  However, she was upsides the leaders after half a furlong, but was outpaced for the lead in what was a very strong early pace.

Sticking to the inside rail, she came into the bottom turn in about third, with the two leaders blazing away in front.

One of the first to come under pressure, Dale Swift started to push her off the bend, but she dug in and started to make progress up the far rail.

Over two out she was still in with a chance, but with the pack starting to group up.  In the last furlong she was passed by a couple more but she stayed on at the same pace and finished in the front half of the field.

Filed under  //   Horse Racing  
Posted January 31, 2012
 

Shaws Diamond @WolvesRaces last Mon for @Ownaracehorse

She finished 7th and seemed to run well after a break. I still think the mile is too much for her and its good to see that her trainer is stepping her back to 7 furlongs next time out. She should run again on Tues 31st at Southwell.

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Filed under  //   Horse Racing  
Posted January 26, 2012
 

Shaws Diamond runs at Wolves today

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Our co-owned nag, Shaws Diamond, is making her first run of 2012 today. After a winter break she returns in the 5.00 at Wolverhampton this afternoon.

Her trainer, Derek Shaw said "If we already had a run under our belts after the break I'd fancy our chances.  As it is, I think we still could be thereabouts - but I won't be surprised to see her travel really well but then weaken a furlong out because she's just lacking that race fitness and the edge it puts on a horse."

"I'm just delighted that she's back and looking and feeling great as she's a lovely mare to have around the place and there certainly won't lack any commitment from her in this race.  Although I think she can run well, tomorrow I would just settle for her coming back safe and sound becuase there still plenty of racing left in her this winter."

As he says, whatever the result tomorrow, the primary goal will be to see her fit and happy after the race in order to plan another group of races for her.

Given the positive vibe Derek has given it might be prudent to back Shaw's Diamond each-way.  However, it's probably wise to give horses a wide berth coming back after a break.

I will be there and will tweet her progress from the racecourse.

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Filed under  //   Horse Racing  
Posted January 23, 2012
 

Shaws Diamond runs today

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Our co-owned racehorse runs in the 7.10 at Wolverhampton today. The distance is a concern (just over a mile), she's best at 7f, but she does have the advantage of having the champion jockey on board.

I'm going along to meet the horse and trainer for the first time. Updates to follow.

RESULT UPDATE: She came 7th. The trip seemed to be too far for her and she got a bit boxed in. Champion jockey Paul Hanagan did his best but said that she has the potential to win again.

Filed under  //   Horse Racing  
Posted November 4, 2011