Ex-Hong Kong sprinter Diamond Diesel can provide Adam Duggan with career highlight in Takeover Target Stakes
Trainer Adam Duggan is hoping a wet surface on his home track can propel Diamond Diesel to a surprise stakes win at Gosford on Saturday.
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A former Hong Kong galloper that Adam Duggan once thought might be up to Midway grade could now provide the trainer with the biggest win of his career in Saturday’s Listed $250,000 Takeover Target Stakes (1200m) at Gosford.
Diamond Diesel has continued to go from strength to strength under Duggan’s care and will get the chance to snare his conditioner with his maiden stakes winner in this week’s sprint feature.
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The son of Mossman has been in Duggan’s stable for the past two years after starting life in Australia with Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes and heading to Hong Kong and back again.
Diamond Diesel has impressed Duggan from the moment he saw the gelding but even he was surprised at the level the sprinter has risen to during his time with the stable.
A third Sydney metropolitan win last start at Rosehill Gardens encouraged Duggan to raise the bar again.
Diamond Diesel proves too good in the Luke Lucas Handicap ðŸ´@tomo_sherry and Adam Duggan combine for the win 🥇 pic.twitter.com/mbsUZ0wc2k
— Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) April 27, 2024
“He has always been a lovely big, strong horse,” Duggan said.
“I have always had a bit of time for him and I thought if he got to Midway grade I would be really happy, which he did.
“Probably because he was placed really well, he shot up through the grades and up in the benchmark. Then in his first Saturday race last start that he competes in and has to carry 60kg, he happens to win that.
“He might have got a few favours but at the same time he is so consistent and handles any surface. You can ride him in multiple positions as well.”
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Diamond Diesel was on a healthy list of 27 nominations for the Takeover Target that also includes the likes of Stefi Magnetica, Ballroom Bella and Tashi.
The feature event wasn’t initially in Duggan’s plans but the potentially wet conditions on his home track encouraged him to throw Diamond Diesel in the mix.
“With the likelihood of a wet track with a fit horse, back in distance at a track he has raced at previously, I thought I would throw him in,” Duggan said.
“When the noms came out, I had a look and one of the owners told me he would be the only last start winner in the race which is surprising.
“Whether that means anything, we will wait and see but it tells you that he is in form.
“He goes on that surface and I love the fact that he is back in distance on a what’s probably a very heavy track. It’s usually a good lead in.”
Diamond Diesel is a $13 chance for the Takeover Target Stakes in TAB all-in betting alongside Kalino, Pereille and Chrysaor.
The final field for the Takeover Target Stakes will be revealed on Wednesday morning with the $500,000 The Coast (1600m) and Listed $300,000 Gosford Gold Cup (2100m).
Originally published as Ex-Hong Kong sprinter Diamond Diesel can provide Adam Duggan with career highlight in Takeover Target Stakes
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