‘Chalk and cheese’ stablemates give Gold Coast trainer Alicia Willick a double

DIAMONDS On Ruby and Armet are stabled next to each other but they are worlds apart when it comes to their personalities.

Armet won the Class 1 Handicap (1200m) with jockey Micheal Hellyer at the Gold Coast on Saturday, October 28. Photo: Supplied.

DIAMONDS On Ruby and Armet are stabled next to each other but they are worlds apart when it comes to their personalities.

They may have their differences but both four-year-old’s proved they have an ability to run on Saturday by winning their respective races at Gold Coast’s Aquis Park for local trainer Alicia Willick.

Diamonds On Ruby jumped from barrier four and led from start to finish on her way to breaking a 13-year class record to win the Fillies and Mares Maiden Handicap (1200m) in a time of 1:09.90 with jockey Minehiko Shimodaira on board.

Gold Coast trainer Alicia Willick with one of her horses.

Blueberry Sue previously held the record, running 1:10.16 in April, 2004.

Armet — an ex-Godolphin horse — sat comfortably before cruising to victory in the Class 1 Handicap (1200m) from alley three with hoop Michael Hellyer in the saddle.

The double involved Willick’s only two runners on Saturday and the trainer said all the duo needed was a clean run at it to show their talent.

“They both got good barriers so that makes a big difference, particularly with Armet,” Willick said.

“He has just had barrier nine to 12 nearly every start and it forced us to ride him to the lead every time because we have had no other choice.

“He got to do no work (on Saturday) while in other races he has been used up in the first 100m. “Diamonds On Ruby’s run was enormous. She just needed time and maturity. She has always showed ability but just wasn’t mentally or physically ready.

“She won a trial by five lengths at the Gold Coast in the fastest time of the day and we knew if she could repeat that with race day pressure she would go well.”

Little separates the pair on track but Willick said they were polar opposites in work.

“Armet nearly cleaned up a few people in the parade ring,” Willick said.

“He nearly kicked a couple of people in the head. He has got a bit of s*** in him.

Diamonds On Ruby won the Fillies and Mares Maiden Handicap (1200m) with jockey Minehiko Shimodaira at the Gold Coast on Saturday, October 28. Photo: Supplied.

“he is by Helmet and they are known for it. Diamonds On Ruby — you wouldn’t get a nicer mare than her.”

Willick said she would bring both back to the Gold Coast where another win could land them in a Class 3 in Brisbane.

Willick said Diamonds On Ruby would likely reach a mile in her career while Armet is suited to the 1200m.