Ellsberg has claimed the inaugural running of the $2 million The Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill Gardens in track record time for Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou.
A brand-new Special Conditions feature for the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival, The Five Diamonds is run at set weights and serves as a nice attraction for five-year-old horses that may otherwise have been retired.
Ellsberg took out the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick on October 1 before leading throughout and pulling away for a 2.5-length victory in the Five Diamond Prelude three weeks ago, earning his $3.30 favouritism with online bookmakers in todays $2 million feature.
The five-year-old son of Spill the Beans again took up the lead under Tommy Berry, travelling comfortably throughout. Berry had to ask a bit more of the horse in the final 200m as the Annabel Neasham-trained Sibaaq ($16) drew upon his outside and the pair went head and head in the closing stages.
But Ellsberg dug deep and held for the half head victory with Neasham’s other runner Laws of Indices ($3.80) running on for third.
2022 Five Diamonds Replay
Alexiou said he was ‘tickled pink’ for the horse,
“Obviously there were a few doubters. We always had a bit of a gut feeling that he’d run it. I thought it was a pretty solid gallop and he sustained a bit of pressure and was strong enough late. Chuffed.
“He is really stepping up this preparation. We always thought he was a pretty handy horse, but he’s gone to a new level this preparation and has earned the owners a lot of prize money this prep so it is great for everyone.”
Gerald Ryan was missing from the post-race interview, with Alexiou surmising that “He was up with a stack of owners and one of them has probably knocked him down the stairs or something!”
“I think we both get a personal kick out of it enjoying the success with each other. The stable is going great guns at the moment. Just thrilled for everyone.”
Berry was unaware that they had broken the track record,
“I didn’t know that. Gee I had it won after a furlong. He got into such a lovely rhythm for me. He quickened at the right time before the corner. I thought I’d try to get a few of them off the bit. The only thing I was worried about was how firm the track was.
“He didn’t feel as comfortable as what he did last Saturday when I galloped him on the grass with a bit of juice in it. It just shows how tough he is. I could have gone another furlong and held that second horse off. 1800m is probably not his trip but his quality got him over the line.
“Gerald was a massive supporter of my brother. I didn’t ride a lot for Gerald, but Nathan did. I think Nathan’s first ride in the Slipper was for Gerald, so he’s been a big part of our careers.
“I don’t ride for them all the time but obviously very happy to get the call up to ride this guy and once again my manager did a great job finding the right one.”
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