Racing: The Diamond One ready to sparkle

The Diamond One looks well placed at Riccarton today. Photo / ODT

The Diamond One is refreshed and ready to go in the $70,000 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes at Riccarton today.

Wingatui trainer Steven Anderton said a few days in the paddock after the mare's sixth in the Otaki weight-for-age classic on February 22 had agreed with The Diamond One.

"She enjoyed it," he said on Thursday. "She freshened up nicely, so everything seems on track anyway for Saturday.

"I haven't done a lot of work with her - she's only done a couple of three-quarter pace and a run along."

Anderton did not feel the need to work her too hard after she showed the rigours of a long journey back from the North Island.

"She did lighten up a wee bit after the trip - she has put a wee bit back on and I'm happy where she's at, anyway."

Plenty has fallen into place for The Diamond One on Saturday. The conditions of the race mean the five-race winner gives just 1kg to the lowest-rated horse Something Zed, who has won just two races.

Add in a cosy barrier draw of two and it's no surprise that Anderton says jockey Terry Moseley - who rode her to a last-to-first win at Wingatui on Boxing Day - is rather confident.

"It's a good draw - I'm hoping there will be a wee bit of pace on, and she should be up there thereabouts and not too far off the pace anyway."

Anderton said a muddling pace and inexperience meant The Diamond One did not produce her best in the group one at Otaki.

"It was a stop-start affair, but I firmly believe she's six months off having a go at those horses."

He has plenty of respect for The Diamond One's rival, particularly Arietta who was unlucky running ninth in the Cuddle Stakes at Trentham last week. "She's a very nice mare, and a horse I've always liked is Emerald Queen. She doesn't help herself much but I think she's a decent sort of horse."

Arietta will carry 55.5kg - 0.5kg less than The Diamond One - while Emerald Queen will join the rest of the field of 55kg.

Today could be The Diamond One's last appearance for several months after her six runs this season have produced four wins and $97,000 for her owners and breeders, the Dennis brothers of Woodlands.