Trainer David Pfieffer is employing the same approach that worked with Oh Diamond Lil during the spring as he aims to secure the lovely mare another stakes triumph in the Hawkesbury Crown.
The five-year-old took the lead from the start to claim the Group 3 Tibbie Stakes (1400m) at Newcastle on her seasonal debut in September, and Pfieffer hopes for an encore when she returns over a comparable distance at Hawkesbury this Saturday.
“She looks good, and her first-up record is quite good,” Pfieffer said.
“She won first-up at Scone last year, and when she won the Tibbie at Newcastle she was first-up.
“I think she is well placed.”
A So You Think filly, Oh Diamond Lil has been expertly handled by Pfieffer, securing seven victories from 17 outings.
In addition to her stakes win at Newcastle, she was beaten by under three lengths behind Group 1 winner Stefi Magnetica in The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick in October, and came home fourth to Verona Rose in the Inglis Bracelet (1600m) at Flemington a month afterwards.
Pfieffer believes she has come back into training in equal or better shape and anticipates she can add to her record, beginning at Hawkesbury.
The Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) at Scone on May 16 is targeted for her next start, prior to a Queensland winter carnival push that might feature the Magic Millions National Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 6.
“She’s got a lovely string of races coming up for her,” Pfieffer said.
The Warwick Farm handler has excelled with his compact stable, delivering 11 winners and 16 placers from his last 50 runners, among them newcomer Call Me Zeus, who scored convincingly at Kembla Grange on Wednesday.
From his most recent 20 starters, five have triumphed, with eight more earning minor placings.
“Everything is racing well. If they’re not winning, they’re running placings,” Pfieffer said.
“Probably too many seconds for my liking lately.
“But as long as they’re racing well, running up to their mark and winning prizemoney, they’re keeping their owners happy.”
Oh Diamond Lil is the market elect for the Hawkesbury Crown (1300m) at $3.60, ahead of Surfin’ Bird ($4.60), who debuts in NSW following four wins from six Victorian appearances, and Chidiac ($5), winner of the Country Championships Final.
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