No Diggity to face different test in Blue Diamond Prelude at Caulfield

A tough gate and a key gear change will produce a different challenge for unbeaten filly No Diggity in Saturday’s Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude at Caulfield.

Impressive filly No Diggity will have blinkers on when she attempts to stay unbeaten at Caulfield on Saturday. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Life will be a bit different for smart filly No Diggity in Saturday’s Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude.

No Diggity has blitzed small fields from inside draws in her first two starts to earn a crack at her $300,000 assignment at Caulfield.

This time, No Diggity will jump from barrier 13 if there are no further scratchings from the 14-horse field she races on Saturday.

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But jockey Craig Newitt thinks the Sebring filly can overcome the new challenges.

“We’ll find out whether she’s good enough, but she’s done nothing wrong so far,” Newitt, who has ridden No Diggity in both wins, said.

“I think she’s definitely good enough to overcome the barrier.

“It’s not an ideal draw but we’ve just got to deal with it.”

Trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman added to the new scenario facing No Diggity by deciding to use blinkers instead of winkers on the two-year-old.

Newitt said No Diggity had no trouble with the new headgear in a recent jumpout at Balnarring.

“I jumped her out the other day at Balnarring and sat her in behind them and she did everything right,” Newitt said.

Jockey Craig Newitt will continue his association with unbeaten youngster No Diggity on Saturday. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

“She travelled well with the blinkers on and sharpened up in the straight.

“They sharpened her up a little bit but she’s pretty foolproof as it is.”

Newitt was unsure what the pre-race plan would be for No Diggity from the tricky barrier draw.

However, he said No Diggity would handle whatever circumstances unfold in the lead-up to the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes on February 26.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they told me to go back and ride her quiet. I’m not sure,” Newitt said.

“From out there, they might let her find her feet and be strong late then go to the 1200m in the Blue Diamond.

“But she can do it however you want her to.

“I’ve only sat on her three times but every time I’ve been on her, she’s got more relaxed, but I think back to 1100m won’t worry her because she’s still sharp enough.”

No Diggity is an $11 chance in early betting on the Blue Diamond Prelude for fillies.

Miss Rosieano is the $4.40 favourite ahead of the well-supported English Riviera, who has formed from $6 into $4.80.

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Originally published as No Diggity to face different test in Blue Diamond Prelude at Caulfield