Native Diver Stakes – Grade III
1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $100.000 Open 3 Year Olds And Up.

1st Goodness Wood Racing Stable Valdivia J Jr

First of all, congratulations to Wood Racing Stable, who picked this three-year-old up for a bargain basement price of just $2.020.
But here is the thing, when you see a result like this, it tends to just throw everything out of the toybox because as of the 27th September, this horse would not have won this race, but something happened between then and now, and I am just not sure anyone had any real clue or reason to believe that it was about to. Maybe I do the trainer an injustice, maybe there was some subtle change in training, or weight, or instructions that caused this rapid improvement or maybe they are just as surprised as I am. After being bought in February, he was beaten in a fair track maiden and then won a maiden claimer. Upped in grade after that he was beaten out of sight in a MTH optional claimer, so came back in track level on the 27th September to just get home in a 4-runner 2-win allowance at HST carrying just 113Lbs and getting 5Lbs from every other runner. That was his last start before this race after a 1.10 and 4, 6-furlong work which followed a 1.11 and 1 work 5 months before.
No change in adds, no particular change in running style, no change in surface or trip but suddenly he is working 1.10 and 1 and winning a grade three, beating stakes winners and even a grade one winner. Good on the trainer for recognizing this improvement and taking the gamble but I would love to know just what it was that made this horse carry 8Lbs more and win in a faster time and in a far better grade than he did just 2 months ago.
Whatever it was, Wood Racing Stable picked up their first Graded stake, and it couldn’t be more deserved, who knows, just maybe, this one will be one to follow through the grades.

2nd Malediction Nakamura Stables Fresu A

Looked comfortable in front but was pretty easily brushed aside by the winner at the end. I didn’t think this lightly raced three-year-old would capitulate so easily with easy splits through the first half of the race but the day this game makes sense is the day we can all give up!

3rd No More Rattle Bigchief Stables Hernandez J J

The grade one winner stalked the lead but was just too on paced in the finish and never looked like really asserting. It has been a while since the six-year-old has really shown his best, and he is beginning to look like the paddocks are calling.

4th Happy Brave The Sidley Stud Rispoli U

Went back on a steady early pace and was always going to struggle to make ground. The winner apparently didn’t but this one never got in a serious challenging position, and it has to be said that he continues to frustrate.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES