Thurlow (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}), a A$150,000 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale purchase by David Redvers for Qatar Bloodstock, entered the picture for the G1 Blue Diamond S. courtesy of an assertive win in the 1000-meter G3 Chairman's S. at Sandown. The Robert Smerdon trainee, thus stable mate to the unbeaten and Blue Diamond S. ante-post favorite Fontiton (Aus) (Turffontein {Aus}), was returning from a summer break following her Listed victory in November, and scored by a comfortable half-length under regular partner Craig Williams.
Smerdon indicated that he would discuss future plans with Sheikh Fahad Al Thani's team. “We'll talk and we'll decide what's the best way to go, whether [the Blue Diamond S.] is the best way, or there are other options,” the trainer said. “But I suppose she's earned her spot there.” Referring to the potentiality of a clash with Fontiton in the big race, he added, “A horse race throws up a lot of variables; barriers, track conditions on the day and run of the race, so if you've got two bullets to fire you might be better off shooting them both off.”
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