The conditions were again ripe for Diaquin at Sandown Ladbrokes Park on Wednesday. Perfect for this lovely daughter of Sacred Falls to produce her career-best performance in the Ladbrokes Cash In Fillies & Mares BM70 handicap.
We have said it before, and will never tire of saying it, Diaquin is consistent and a lovely mare to train. When the track conditions and race speed are just right, she finds the extra length or so needed to earn her place in the winners stall.
We are pretty sure all the connections were glued to whatever weather apps are on their phone on Tuesday night. Hoping for a few showers overnight and throughout Wednesday, they got their wish.
In her most recent race at Cranbourne ten days earlier, Diaquin produced a solid run at her first try over 2000m. The Soft 5 track was not soft enough though. When the Soft 6 rating was posted for Sandown Ladbrokes Park and some more showers peppered the course throughout the day, Nigel and connections had springs in their step walking from one room of their respective houses to their TV rooms (damn Covid).
“It was clear the track was going to suit her today. She trained on very well following her first attempt at 2000m last start, so I was feeling confident should would put in a strong performance. To win a city race with her is extra special, particularly for this ownership group.” – Nigel
Thanks to Lewis German for a very good ride. This was his first time on Diaquin. To be fair, he did not have much time to research Diaquin’s history, having picked up the ride as a late replacement on Wednesday morning. But he followed instructions and more importantly, rode Diaquin ‘by feel’ to produce a perfectly timed run.
When challenged in the final 100m by the runner-up, Diaquin lifted and fought strongly to win with some comfort.
Watch the race replay here on racing.com.
This mare may be getting whiter with age, but she is also getting better.