Classy US Miler Set For Melbourne Carnival

[Scurlogue Champ]

From AAP:

Anyone know anything about this horse?


Wednesday, 30 August 2006: America is set to be represented at the Melbourne spring carnival after classy US-owned galloper Diamond Green was entered today for the premier 1600m races.

Racing Victoria Limited’s Acting Director of Racing Operations Leigh Jordon confirmed entries have been received for the six-year-old for the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on October 14, the Group 2 Waterford Crystal Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley on October 28 and the Group 1 Emirates Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on November 11.

Diamond Green is currently is prepared by legendary American trainer Bobby Frankel and owned by Bobby Trussell, a co-owner of prominent American stud Walmac Farm.

However Diamond Green will be transferred to an Australian trainer to oversee his Melbourne preparation.

Diamond Green will then remain in Australia over summer to prepare for the 2007 Asian Mile Challenge which has the Futurity Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield as the opening leg.

“They are bringing the horse to Melbourne as they believe he will be better suited to Australian conditions,” Jordon said.

“They are also keen to target next year’s Asian Mile Challenge with Diamond Green and their long-term aim is to stand the horse at stud.’

’Diamond Green is a stallion by Green Desert who has won four and been placed in a further nine of his 17 starts.

He started his career in France where he won the Group 3 Prix La Rochette (1400m) and finished second in three Group 1 events during his three-year-old season before continuing his career in the US.

Jordon said the presence of Diamond Green would be an unexpected, but welcome, bonus for the spring carnival.

“It is very pleasing to see even more interest in the spring carnival from the United States,” Jordon said.

“This can only be a good thing for the industry and hopefully it is a sign of things to come in the future.”