Sepoy’s challenge

Sepoy is aiming to be only fifth Blue Diamond Stakes winner to go on to win the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill.

The Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m, Caulfield) was first run in 1971, when the Angus Armanasco-trained Tolerance (ch c, Better Boy (IRE)-Salma, by Smokey Eyes (IRE)), ridden by Roy Higgins, beat the fillies What’s The Verdict (by Court Sentence (GB)) and Fairy Walk (by Minor Portion (IRE)). Fairy Walk returned to Sydney to win the Slipper, while Tolerance struggled into 11th place.

History says that taking out the double is a very difficult task, and some great juveniles, including Blazing Saddles, Zeditave, Alinghi and Bel Esprit have tried and failed, such is the task that lies ahead of Sepoy.

Even Hurricane Sky (1994), who is the only horse to win the Blue Diamond in quicker time than Sepoy, could manage only fifth behind Danzero in Sydney.

There have been 29 two-year-olds attempt the double, but only four have achieved the feat – John’s Hope (1972), Manikato (1978), Bounding Away (1986) and Courtza (1989).

Since Courtza’s win, only three Blue Diamond winners have been able to place in the Slipper – Canonise (2nd behind Tierce in 1991), Paint (2nd behind Merlene in 1996) and Alinghi (3rd behind Dance Hero in 2004).

Here’s the list of Blue Diamond winners who have competed in the Golden Slipper:

Year            Horse            Placing (Golden Slipper winner)

2009            Reward For Effort            7^th (Phelan Ready)
2008            Reaan            16^th (Sebring)
2007            Sleek Chassis            14^th (Forensics)
2005            Undoubtedly            15^th (Stratum)
2004            Alinghi            3^rd (Dance Hero)
2003            Kusi            12^th (Polar Success)
2002            Bel Esprit            5^th (Calaway Gal)
2001            True Jewels            5^th (Ha Ha)
2000            Road To Success            15^th (Belle Du Jour)
1998            Danelagh            8^th (Prowl)
1997            Knowledge            7^th (Guineas)
1996            Paint            2^nd (Merlene)
1995            Principality            8^th (Flying Spur)
1994            Hurricane Sky            5^th (Danzero)
1991            Canonise            2^nd (Tierce)
1990            Mahaasin            11^th (Canny Lad)
1989            Courtza            WON
1988            Zeditave            6^th (Star Watch)
1987            Midnight Fever            11^th (Marauding)
1986            Bounding Away            WON
1984            Street Café            8^th (Inspired)
1983            Love A Show            3^rd (Sir Dapper)
1981            Black Shoes            12^th (Full On Aces)
1980            Aare            6^th (Dark Eclipse)
1978            Manikato            WON
1977            Blazing Saddles            3^rd (Luskin Star)
1974            Forina            9^th (Hartshill)
1972            John’s Hope            WON
1971            Tolerance            11^th (Fairy Walk)

1. 

   Djebel says:

   March 29, 2011 at 12:19 pm

   Up until a fortnight ago I believed and I hoped that he was not your average Blue Diamond winner and had the Slipper all locked up. A fortnight is a long time in 2yo racing.

   He looked out of this world and I had a good deal of respect for those who finished behind him especially Tim Martins filly (?)
2. 

   Danny Power says:

   April 1, 2011 at 3:43 am

   Two weeks is a long time in 2YO racing. Because they are so protected between runs, it is sometimes impossible to tell if the colt/filly has gone over the top or not. History shows what a tough assignment it is to win both G1 races.