ALICIA’S DOUBLE AN ODD COUPLE
DIAMONDS On Ruby and Armet are stabled next to each other but they are worlds apart when it comes to their personalities.
They may have their differences but both four-yearolds proved they have an ability to run by winning their respective races at Aquis Park on Saturday for Gold Coast trainer Alicia Willick.
Diamonds On Ruby jumped from barrier four and led from start to finish on her way to breaking a 13-year class record in the Fillies and Mares Maiden Handicap (1200m) with jockey Minehiko Shimodaira on board.
Her time of 1:09.9 broke the class record set by Blueberry Sue (1:10.16) in April 2004.
Armet, a former Godolphin horse, sat comfortably before cruising to victory in the Class 1 Handicap (1200m) from alley three with hoop Micheal Hellyer in the saddle.
The double involved Willick’s only two runners on Saturday and the trainer said all the duo needed was a clean run at it to show their best.
“They both got good barriers so that makes a big difference, particularly with Armet,” Willick said. “He has just had barrier nine to 12 nearly every start and it forced us to ride him to the lead every time.
“He got to do no work (on Saturday) while in other races he has been used up in the first 100m.
“Diamonds On Ruby’s run was enormous. She just needed time and maturity.
“She has always showed ability but just wasn’t mentally or physically ready.
“She won a trial by five lengths at the Gold Coast in the fastest time of the day and we knew if she could repeat that with race day pressure she would go well.”
Little separates the pair on track but they are polar opposites in temperament. “Armet nearly cleaned up a few people in the parade ring,” Willick said.
“He nearly kicked a couple of people in the head.
“Diamonds On Ruby – you wouldn’t get a nicer mare than her.”
Both horses will next race at the Gold Coast and another win could land them in a Class 3 in Brisbane.