Beaded Ready For Classic

Sunday, 20 March 2011 05:15

Consistent mare Beaded has her main autumn goal in her sights with a trip to Adelaide for next week's Group One Sportingbet Classic.

The five-year-old has pleased the Peter Snowden stable since her gallant third to Black Caviar and Crystal Lily in the Newmarket Handicap and is among 23 entries for the Group One feature for fillies and mares over 1200 metres at Morphettville.

Melbourne foreman Paul Snowden said Beaded was a regular Group One performer and was deserving of a win at the top level.

"This is the race we have targeted with her the whole time," Snowden said.

"The Newmarket was only a race to tick her over and a perfect lead up to this one in Adelaide.

"She didn't surprise us how well she ran in the Newmarket because she is top class and never runs a bad race."

Beaded has raced 18 times for nine wins and the only time she has missed a place was when she drew barrier 17 in last year's Group One Stradbroke Handicap and finished a half length fourth to Black Piranha.

"Her consistency is her biggest quality and she deserves a Group One," Snowden said.

"She has a great record and has a never-say-die attitude."

He said Beaded would work at Flemington on Thursday before leaving for Adelaide.

Co-trainers Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra have confirmed Response, who finished fourth in the Newmarket would run in the Sportingbet Classic.

Stablemate Crystal Lily is also nominated but will take on Black Caviar in the Group One William Reid Stakes at Moonee valley on Friday night.

Peter Moody's four Adelaide entries are Irwin Stakes winner Avenue who was also second to Eagle Falls in the Oakleigh Plate, Stakes winner Do Ra Mi, Typhoon Tracy Stakes winner Miss Gai Flyer and last start MSS Security Stakes winner Panipique.

Trainer Mick Price said Dubleanny had trained on well since her first-up win over 1100 metres at Flemington.

Price won the Sportingbet Classic (registered as the Robert Sangster Stakes) two years ago with Bel Mer and last year finished second with Velocitea.

While medium term goals for Beaded are yet to be confirmed, Snowden says there is a good chance of another clash with Black Caviar in the Group One T J Smith (1200m) at Randwick on April 9.

Picture: Sportpix

Tassie's Awesome Win In Magic Millions

Monday, 14 March 2011 09:06

More Awesome continued the winning run for Tasmanian juveniles at Morphettville today when he cruised to victory in the Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic (1200m).

The gelding was sent out and the favourite and came with a strong field from the back of the field under Clare Lindop to win in great style.

A winner of two races, More Awesome was beaten less than a length last start when third in the listed Gold Sovereign Stakes at Launceston.

"Without being biased I thought he should have won the Gold Sovereign Stakes and the form out of it has been tremendous," winning trainer Dean Wells said.

"He ended up rolling back to the horrible part (of the track). At the 150 (metre mark) he had Golden Archer off the bit."

The Gold Sovereign winner Golden Archer and runner-up Triple Asset have both subsequently won stakes races at Flemington.

"He's a very adaptable horse and winning this race is a great thrill," Wells added.

The gelding caught the eye of trainer Dean Wells at last year's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale during the fifth session of the popular auction.

Wells went to $22,000 and purchased the youngster for stable client Rob Karam.

"He was a nice horse - from his knees up there was a lot to like," Wells noted.

"I didn't think he was going to be a two-year-old - but he showed plenty of toe so we persevered with him."

Wells said he would be back at the track tomorrow at the Magic Millions Sales Complex for the first session of the Adelaide Yearling Sale.

"I'll be there trying to buy another one like him."

In the run to the line More Awesome ($2.50-$2.60 fav) held a length and a quarter margin over a wall of runners in the winning time 1 minute 11.34 seconds.

After looking at the print the judge declared Gone Skiing ($7-$8-$4.40) second, a short head in advance of third placegetter Whisper Downs ($5.50-$8).

A mere neck separate Gone Skiing, Whisper Downs, Alpha Man, Predator and Star Salute in a competitive event.

More Awesome is a son of influential international juvenile sire More Than Ready - the sire of Slipper winners Sebring and Phelan Ready and Magic Millions Adelaide and Gold Coast Classic winner Augusta Proud.

His dam, the Royal Academy mare Breezer, was a winner over 1000 metres and was placed in a Group Two Magic Night Stakes and listed Keith Mackay Handicap.

She in turn is from the listed Silk Stocking winner Lady Nickelii (Roman Prince) - a full sister to group winner Moods.

Robert Sangster Stakes: Elimination Order

Friday, 18 March 2011 01:29

Avenue is likely to headline what promises to be an excellent and typically open renewal of the Group One Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville next Saturday.

Avenue cruised to victory in the Group 3 R.N Irwin Stakes (1100m) on Adelaide Cup Day last Monday and is poised to win her first Group 1 race.

Her task will be made easier with sprinting mares Black Caviar and Crystal Lily certain to bypass the Robert Sangster for the William Reid Stakes.

Trainer Peter Moody originally intended on Black Caviar contesting the Robert Sangster Stakes.

But when the Victorian racing calendar was altered late last year and it was established the Sangster was the day after the weight-for-age Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley, South Australians were robbed of the opportunity to see Australia’s best sprinter.

The Peter Snowden-trained Beaded is expected to travel across to Adelaide in an effort to provide the stable with another South Australian Group 1 win after Kidnapped won last year’s Derby.

The first two placegetters from the Robert Sangster Stakes are exempt from the ballot for the Group 1 Distinctive Homes Goodwood (1200m) at the same venue on May 8.

Below is the current order of entry for the Robert Sangster Stakes – also known as the Sportingbet Classic - with 20 horses plus four emergencies permitted in the final field.

Morphettville (March 27)
$350,000 Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) - Order Of Entry

Picture: Jenny Barnes

Muir Wins Adelaide Cup

Monday, 14 March 2011 07:45

Imported stayer Muir has claimed a career-high victory in the Group Two Adelaide Cup at Morphettville.

One of a group of European stayers purchased from Coolmore by Lloyd Williams, Muir was previously in the care of Aidan O'Brien in Ireland where he won three races.

Veteran jockey Darren Gauci was given the task of guiding Muir in Monday's 3200m feature and took charge of the race from the outset.

He rated Muir ($21) perfectly in front and the gelding held off Saddler's Story ($21) by a long neck with half a length to Macedonian ($4.20) third.

Williams was represented by his son and racing manager Nick who was thrilled to see the five-year-old win and flagged a possible start in next month's Sydney Cup.

"It's fantastic. We've put so much effort into these horses which we bought off Aidan O'Brien in Ireland," Williams said.

"Isn't it terrific for Darren Gauci. He gave him a magnificent ride.

"One of my earliest racing memories was seeing Darren Gauci riding winners as a 16 or 17 year-old apprentice.

"We'll see how he pulls up before we look at a Sydney Cup. He's had a pretty good preparation."

Williams said much time and effort had gone into preparing the imported horses for Australian racing by trainer Robert Hickmott and the staff at Williams' Macedon Lodge.

"The important thing is a bunch of people, all friends, who put their faith in us and took a share in these horses and came along for the ride and it's great that we could actually pull off a Cup for them," he said.

"It wasn't ideal to go forward but I had a lot of faith in this horse.

"He ran third a week ago (in the Roy Higgins Quality over 2500m at Flemington) and Darren said 'I couldn't pull him up'."

Mark Kavanagh gained some consolation for Cup favourite King Diamond's fifth when Shrapnel took out the Group Two Yallambee Classic (1200m).

Pictures: Colin Bull

Wednesday's Gawler Races Report

Thursday, 17 March 2011 23:33

Trainers Gary Searle and John MacMillan led the way in the mentoring ranks with two winners each while the riding display by Todd Pannell resulted in him steering two winners home at Gawler on Wednesday.

Gary Searle was the first out of the blocks when the Adrian Patterson guided $3.10 chance Pierremont Express saluted the judge with a margin of three and a half lengths in the opening event of 2100 metres.

A three year old daughter of the Irish bred stallion Carnegie from the Gold Ace mare Kate’s Ace Pierremont Express settled in the back half of the field and did not make her presence felt until the runners had entered the home stretch.

Pierremont Express beat the Tony McEvoy prepared Simon Price ridden $2.80 favourite Sky Raider who finished one and a quarter lengths ahead of Shez a Gaze $26 for Ken Sweeney and Troy Baker.

Asked what plans he has for Pierremont Express Gary Searle said that he will keep her at this distance with the view of running in the 2400 metre Group 3 Sportingbet Classic for three old fillies on the Parks track at Morphettville on April 9.

A former Northern Territory Guineas winner Shams Time $61 was the three quarters of a length winner of 1500 metre seventh race and brought up win number two for Gary Searle.

Ridden by Searle’s apprentice Melanie Tyndall and fathered by the American bred entire Shamardal from the Norman Pentaquad mare In My Time - who was an Auckland Cup placegetter - Shams Time worked his way through the field to take out the event after settling in last position soon after the start.

Shams Time beat the Sharon Hayes cared for Wayne Kerford ridden Get Stitched $6. Starting at $4.60 Scarlet Cross was another half length away third for David Jolly and Paul Gatt.

Horse carer John MacMillan and rider Todd Pannell brought up the first leg of their respective doubles when the $9 chance Highland Dancer was victorious in race two which was run over 1100 metres.

Having a neck advantage when the winning post was reached the Johannesburg sired Highland Dancer out of Highland Gathering, an El Qahira mare, was first to leave the barrier and settled fourth before thundering home.

Highland Dancer beat Another Discussion $26 who came from well back to gain second place for mentor Matthew Seyers and jockey Matthew Neilson. Where’s My Wagon $4 was a father half length away third for Kirsty Cordon and Simon Price.

Combining with hoop Simon Price John MacMillan led in his second winner when the Commands sired Final Command $10 won the final event of 1100 metres.

From the Singspiel mare Final Address, Final Command came from a mid field position to score a long neck win over the apprentice Amy Herrmann piloted Kristi Evens part-owned and trained Folau $21. The $7 returned Alquamarne was a farther nose away third for Barry Brook and apprentice Krystal Bishop.

John MacMillan said that both of his winners will progress to city type races.

Todd Pannell brought up his double when he rode the Susan Nolan trained Catcher Line $4.40 to a two and a quarter length win the 1500 metre fourth event.

Having his fourth race day outing and winning his first race the progeny of the Irish bred entire Catcher In The Rye and Media Queen, a Straight Strike matron, Catcher Line powered home from a mid field position to beat Joy Toy the $1.70 public elect for trainer Tony McEvoy and jockey Simon Price.

Two Bees $19 was a farther half length away third for Georgina Henderson and Jordan Frew.

Trainer Richard Jolly and his apprentice Libby Hopwood were well pleased with the half neck win of the $1.85 favourite Silver Moment in the third race which was run over 1200 metres.

The Barely a Moment three year old filly settled well and came from third to defeat Leckey $61 who is part owned by former jockey Scott Leckey and prepared by local mentor Sandie Brennan.

Another locally trained runner Perfectamundo $7 was a half length away third for John MacMillan and Amy Herrmann.

A late pick up ride at the expense of Dominic Tourneur saw Shayne Cahill ride Target Explorer $5 to a one and a quarter length win in race five which was contested over the staying course of 2100 metres.

From the Regal Classic mare Brightly and fathered by Taos, Target Explorer travelled strongly throughout the event and went on to beat the Gillian Davey charge, the Jordon Frew mount Curaca Hill $10. Secret Weekend was another three quarters of a length away third for Gawler trainer Danny Pevreall and rider Wayne Kerford.

Joining forces with the Mark Kavanagh stable jockey Chad Lever rode the $1.90 favourite Bagman to a two and three quarter length win in the 1200 metre sixth race.

The progeny of Easy Rocking and the Dehere mare Bada Bing, Bagman came from the rear of the field and defeated the John Dunn prepared Matthew Neilson ridden Roll On Bai $5. Almost Cheval $8 was a farther half length away third for Barry Dunn and apprentice Jackson Matthews.

Macdonald Debutant Wins Cinderella

Monday, 14 March 2011 04:14

Trainer Leon Macdonald appears to have another smart galloper in his care after Secret Status won the $80,000 Listed Pewsey Vale Stakes (1050m) for two-year-old fillies at Morphettville on Monday.

The debutant was ridden quietly by Clare Lindop and settled towards the rear early with Pecuniary establishing the tempo only for Gonski Girl to pull her way to the lead at the 600 metre mark.

Gonski Girl kicked away in the straight but that enabled room for Lindop and Secret Status to work into with a furlong remaining.

Secret Status ($5.50-$11) quickly dashed clear to secure victory by a length ahead of Gonski Girl ($4-$4.80) with Zest A Second ($15-$41) a further two lengths adrift in third.

Favourite Pecuniary ($2.80-$2.20) weakened to finish fifth.

By King Cugat, Secret Status is out of Masterclass mare Change Of Class who was a multiple city winner in her own right.

Previous winners of the Pewsey Vale Stakes – also known as the Cinderella Stakes - include Show Us Your Legs (2004), Get To Work (2005), Permaiscuous (2006), Listed Here (2007), Elysees (2008), Baby Corn (2009) and Koala Bear (2010).

Picture: Quentin Lang

Apprentice Relocates To Adelaide

Thursday, 17 March 2011 22:12

Apprentice Nathan Rose will commence a new chapter in his career at Morphettville Parks on Saturday.

Rose, 21, arrived in Adelaide on Thursday after transferring his apprenticeship from Colin and Cindy Alderson at Cranbourne to John O'Connor at Morphettville.

Rose, who has ridden 22 winners across all four Melbourne metropolitan venues, cited a lack of opportunities in Melbourne as for the reason of his move.

“Over here in Melbourne, everyone is struggling to get two rides let alone good rides,” Rose told the Virtual Formguide.

“It is an opportunity to get more good rides and practice the trade a bit more.

“It's a loan (stint to O’Connor from the Alderson’s) at this stage and obviously if I enjoy it there and have good success, I’ll stay.”

Rose has not ridden for over a month.

The hoop had a plate inserted in his collarbone after a fall at Moonee Valley last January which saw him on the sidelines for two months.

That plate was removed some 13 months later and after a five week break, Rose returns to the saddle reinvigorated with just the one ride tomorrow to get the ball rolling.

He has been booked to ride six-year-old mare Show Stealer for trainer Ricky Maund in the $25,000 Alan Scott Park Morphettville Handicap (1250m).

“I’ve ridden a little bit for Ricky in the past so hopefully that luck will continue on the weekend.”

Show Stealer is topweight for the race despite Rose claiming two kilos from his mount to reduce his impost to 56.5kg. The first five runners in saddlecloth order will be ridden by claiming apprentices.

Picture: Colin Bull

Saturday's Morphettville Parks Races Report

Monday, 14 March 2011 02:54

John Thompson and the Patinack Farm Syndicate struck early when first starter Win For Wilson was the length winner of the opening race which was run over 1000 metres.

Having the services of Paul Gatt the Encosta de Lago sired Win For Wilson $6.50, from Mohave Dancer a Zabeel mare,was second out of the barrier and quickly went to the front going on to beat Universal Bolt, the $2.30 favourite, for trainer Mark Minervini and jockey Damien Robinson.

Noir Rasoir $5 was a farther five and a half lengths away third for David Balfour and Todd Pannell.

Jockey Justin Potter scored the first leg of a double when Daydream Charlie $6 was the three quarters of a length winner of the 1950 metre second event for Strathalbyn based mentor Shane Oxlade.

From the Straussbrook mare Dances On Tables the Blevic fathered Daydream Charlie came from a mid field position to defeat the Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas trained Clare Lindop mount Bacchus Eagle, the $2.25 public elect.

Electronic Million $16 was another nose away filling the minor placing for Kevin and Heather Frew and their apprentice son Jordon.

Rider Justin Potter brought up his second winner when the $3.10 punter’s choice Streetcar Magic gave horse carer David Jolly a half length victory in the third race which was run over 1000 metres.

Coming from fourth to win and being out of the Filante mare Stellar Fille, Streetcar Magic brought up a race to race double for his sire Blevic.

Streetcar Magic beat the apprentice Claudia Lions guided Kisrak $6 giving trainer David Jolly the quinella. You Dee Cee $5.50 was a farther three lengths away third for Jon O’Connor and Todd Pannell.

Mentor Mick Huxtable and apprentice Kyle Hocking were well pleased with the one and a quarter length winning performance of Condelago in the 1400 metre fourth race.

Returned at $3.50 the Delago Brom fathered Condelago, from the Kenny’s Best Pal mare Concluding, was well placed and beat the $2.10 favourite Addiction To Rock for mentor Mark Minervini and jockey Adrian Patterson. The combination of Mark Kavanagh and Dominic Tourneur supplied Strum Cha $20 who was another one and a quarter lengths away third.

The progeny of the Irish bred entire Invincible Spirit and the Keltrice mare Kelslade produced the five year old mare Invincible Diva $7.50 who was the three and a half length winner of race five which was run over 1400 metres.

Being under the care of Mark Kavanagh and having the services of Chad Lever Invincible Diva was in the first two throughout the event and beat the $2.50 favourite Owners Priority for visiting trainer Darren Weir and apprentice Billy Egan. Court Ya $12 was another one and a quarter lengths away third for Paula Trenwith and her apprentice Amy Herrmann.

Supporters of the $2.30 favourite collected when the Tim Snelling trained Matthew Neilson mount Aetos recorded a short half head win in the 1250 metre sixth race.

From the Dolphin Street mare Dolandra and fathered by Golden Lake Aetos gradually improved from a mid field position to beat the John Thompson trained Dean Holland ridden Cuddles For Naara $9. The $41 chance Cute To Boot was a neck away third for David Balfour and Todd Pannell.

Being under the care of Tony McEvoy and having the services of Jordon Frew Candle $4 showed his liking for the Parks surface when he was short half head winner of the seventh race which was contested 1400 metres.

A Fantastic Light four year old gelding out of the Bellwater matron Foam Follower, Candle was well placed and defeated the Darren Magro charge, the Shayne Cahill ridden Ocean Challenger $5.50.

Starting the $3 public elect Nevzlin was a farther three quarters of a length away third for John Thompson and Matthew Neilson.

Apprentice Amy Herrmann chalked up a city winner when the Dean Pannell cared for Cavalry Back $12 was the half neck winner of the 1550 metre final event.

A Musee D’orsay gelding from the Regal Tambo mare Tri-Alpyn, Cavalry Black came from a midfield position to beat Landamman $4-20 for Kevin and Heather Frew and rider, son Jordan.

A short half head away third was Your Thoughts $51 for Chris Nash and Chris Bryant.

Adelaide Cup Races Report

Tuesday, 15 March 2011 12:58

Bringing a group of horses from the northern hemisphere to target major Australian races almost two years began to pay off for owner Lloyd Williams and a group of partners when the Robert Hickmott trained Darren Gauci ridden Muir $21 was the long neck winner of the Group 2 Adelaide Casino Adelaide Cup which was run over 3200 metres at Morphettville on Monday.

A five year old Galileo sired gelding from the Royal Academy matron Belle Allemande, Muir held down a prominent position throughout the Cup and beat another $21 chance Saddler’s Story for Caulfield trainer Robert Smerdon and jockey Glen Boss.

Another Caulfield prepared galloper, the Peter Moody cared for Luke Nolen ridden Macedonian $4.20 was another half length away third.

Trainer Mark Kavanagh and jockey Michael Rodd tasted early success when the four year old Beautiful Crown mare Belieive ‘N’Achieve was the half length winner of the opening event of 1200 meters giving the pair the first leg of a double.

A daughter of the Irish bred Beautiful Crown form the Bahamian mare Mal de Me, Beleive ‘N’ Achieve led all the way and defeated the David Jolly charge, the Paul Gatt ridden Goon Serpent $3-70.

Mother’s Milk $4.40 was a farther one and three quarter lengths away third for John Thompson and Dean Holland.

In an all female finish the Brian Mueller trained Just Sybil $10 was the head winner of the 1100 metre second race. From the Opera Prince mare Opera Symbol and fathered by Alannan Just Sybil was well placed and beat the Libby Hopwood ridden Richard Jolly trained She Swings $10.

Apprentice Claudia Lions and Beldara $3 completed the trifecta for the girls finishing a long neck away third for David Jolly.

Visiting Tasmanian trainer Leon Wells won his second Adelaide race in a fortnight when the Clare Lindop ridden More Awesome was the one and a quarter length winner of the Sportingbet Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic which was run over 1200 metres.

Fathered by the American bred entire More Than Ready out of the Royal Academy mare Breezer, More Awesome came from fourth to defeat the Rick Hore-Lacy mentored Danny Nikolic ridden Gone Sking $4-40. Whisper Downs $8 was a short head away third for Kerrin McEvoy and David Hayes.

Jockey Clare Lindop brought up a race to race double when the Leon Macdonald/Andrew Gluyas trained first starter Secret Status $11 was the length winner of the 1050 metre Listed Cinderella Stakes. Having her first start the King Cugat filly, from the Masterclass mare Change of Class, was a clear last soon after the start but gradually made up ground to defeat the Craig Curtis trained Adrian Patterson ridden Gonski Girl $4.80.

A farther two lengths away third was Zest a Second $41 for Pat Barnes and Shane Cahill.

A masterly ride by Glenn Boss saw the David Brideoake prepared Shylight $12 win the Group 3 Schweppervescence Stakes of 1800 metres.

A Lago Delight three year old filly form the Personal Flag mare Be My Person Shylight was well placed and beat the Leon Macdonald/Andrew Gluyas trained Clare Lindop mount Southern Speed, the $2 favourite, in a spine-tickling finish.

Absolutely $5.50 was a farther half length away third for Michael Kent and Craig Williams.

Avenue lived up to its good form when she took out the Group3 R N Irwin Stakes of 1100 metres for the successful combination of Peter Moody and Luke Nolen.

Starting the $1.50 public elect the Anabaa sired four year old mare from the Kenmare mare Virage, was in the first two throughout the event and beat the Wayne Nichols trained Craig Robinson ridden Diplomatic Force $6. Morgan Dollar $14 was another three and a quarter lengths away third for Stuart Gower and Shayne Cahill.

Cybercyn $201 dealt punters a severe blow when he was the half head winner of the 2600 metre C S Hayes Memorial Cup.

A Staaraq mare under the care of Kevin and Heather Frew and ridden by their son Jordan Cybercyn came from well back to beat the Mark Kavanagh prepared Michael Rodd mount Rock the Moment $11.

Belgietto $4 was a farther half head away filling the minor placing for Peter Gelagotis and Glen Boss.

Mentor Mark Kavanagh and hoop Michael Rodd tasted their second success when Shrapnel $5 was the one and a half length winner of the Group 2 Yallambee Classic for three year olds over 1200 metres.

From the Snippets mare Fragmentation the Charge Forward three year old colt Schrapnel led all the way and held off a determined challenge over the concluding stages from the Paul Beshara charge, the Craig Williams ridden Happy Trails $9.50. Starting at $10 General Truce was a farther one and a quarter lengths away third for Ron Maund and Nicholas Hall.

North Beach $7 gave trainer Gordon Richards a one and a half length win in the 1050 metre final event.

Steered to victory by Dwayne Dunn North Beach, a Footstepsinthesand gelding from the Danewin mare White Fire, came from well back to beat Justify That for Strathalbyn based Peter Moody and Troy Baker.

Tilos $9.50 was a father three quarters of a length away third for David Jolly and Paul Gatt.

Pictures: Jenny Barnes

Kavanagh Aiming For First Adelaide Cup

Sunday, 13 March 2011 08:15

Mark Kavanagh has won a Melbourne Cup, a Cox Plate and now an Australian Cup and he's confident King Diamond is the horse to give him his first Adelaide Cup on Monday.

The Flemington-based trainer retains stables at Morphettville in Adelaide where he grew up.

While the Adelaide Cup is not recognised as one of the majors, being relegated from Group One to Group Two status before the 2007 running, the 3200m feature retains significance for Kavanagh.

"I won a Mount Gambier Cup and an Adelaide Cup would be good," Kavanagh said.

A win would also top off a memorable long weekend for the stable which won Saturday's Group One Australian Cup with Shocking (2000m) and the Group Two Blamey Stakes with Whobegotyou, both at Flemington.

Kavanagh has had two runners in Adelaide Cups and both of them ran third, Odysseus in 2003 and Itstheone last year.

Another of his horses, Mr Nelson, was to run in 2000 but the race was postponed and run a week later at Victoria Park.

"He was an emergency and didn't get a run the next week, but won the SA St Leger the same day by an absolute space," Kavanagh said.

King Diamond goes into the Adelaide Cup as the form horse having won four of his past five starts including the Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) carrying 58.5kg at Flemington at his latest start on March 5.

The four-year-old received a one kilo penalty for that win and will carry 55.5kg.

King Diamond, who is out of a Zabeel mare, is tackling 3200 metres for the first time on Monday.

"Certainly it was encouraging to see him finish off from well back in the field over 2600 metres at Flemington last time with three kilos more," Kavanagh said.

"He worked at Flemington on Thursday morning before going over and he worked at Morphettville on Saturday morning. He's in top order.

"His lead up form has been really good. He's been consistent going through his grades."

King Diamond, to be ridden by Michael Rodd, has drawn barrier 14 in the 20-horse field which has been reduced to 19 after the scratching of Lady Avacan.

The gelding was the $3.60 favourite with TAB Sportsbet fixed odds on Sunday ahead of Guyno at $7 and Macedonian at $7.50.