Ray Thomas and Christian Nicolussi discuss Blue Diamond Stakes and all things racing

RAY Thomas and Christian Nicolussi sling insults at each other and also find the time to discuss the nags.

Sterling Alexio, foreman for Gerald Ryan, poses with Rubick ahead of the Blue Diamond Sta

RAY Thomas and Christian Nicolussi sling insults at each other and also find the time to discuss the nags.

CHRISTIAN NICOLUSSI : Has anybody chipped you about your shirt and tie combo today? The purples are too alike.

RAY THOMAS: Didn’t you bag my dress sense last week? I won’t cop fashion tips from a bloke who leaves the top four buttons of his shirt undone.

NICOLUSSI: It’s called disco fur. Anyway, will Rubick win the Blue Diamond? He’s thrived since his Prelude win, and the times he’s produced in trackwork is impossible to ignore. Gerald Ryan’s big opinion has to be respected.

THOMAS: I reckon there are only five winning hopes in the race Rubick, Earthquake, Nostradamus, Chivalry and Nayeli. I’m in Earthquake’s corner but only just. The Oakleigh Plate is typically wide open, Nico. I’m going to back a couple at huge odds, Gregers and Happy Galaxy to upset the favourite Lankan Rupee.

NICOLUSSI: I like Dystopia Raymondo. It’s a tough race, but she’s down in the weights, and has Glen Boss booked. She does have good form first-up, too.

THOMAS: Gai can win a couple of features at Caulfield with Fiorente and Bull Point, and I’m giving Arinosa another chance. She had no luck last start. What about Randwick? This is actually a pretty good meeting despite the small fields again. I can’t work out the reasons for the small fields again but at least we can say it is a case of quality over quantity.

NICOLUSSI: Sydney horses, Raymondo. Half our good ones you just mentioned will be raiding the Melbourne riches. I’m hoping Boban can bounce back and get one over Appearance whose second-up form is ordinary.

THOMAS: Boban can bounce back but are we guilty of underestimating Appearance again!

NICOLUSSI: Yes, probably. I just spotted Rolling Stone magazine’s greatest movies from the 1980s. Phar Lap missed out. Disappointing. Your hair looks straight out of the 1980s. Is that going too far?

THOMAS: Two words: faux hawk. Um, what is happening on top? And I hate to say it, but the helicopter pad is getting bigger.

NICOLUSSI: Helicopter pad? You’re kidding. That will do me. The missus told me to grow my hair. Apparently when I shave my head it makes me look a little tub. She’s Clean is my best bet on Saturday at Randwick.

THOMAS: We better talk racing or the editor won’t run this column. I’ve heard they don’t get our “in” jokes. (Actually, neither do I sometimes!) Our Desert Warrior is a moral but will we get a price?

NICOLUSSI: Probably. Knead The Dough doesn’t mind the wet, has won her only two starts at the trip, and is worth an each-way bet, especially at the $41.

THOMAS: We have to get serious and make this column more about racing next week. We are into the autumn carnival and people are starting to talk about us. Where is the love? Is there any chance of going one week without bagging my dress sense?

NICOLUSSI: Happy punting Raymondo. Rubick into She’s Clean.