KINGSTON, Jamaica - Sparkle Diamond, a brash-looking imported three-year-old colt shone brightly once again while humbling a Restrictive Stakes V imported three-year-olds and upwards - non-winners of three and native-bred three-year-olds and four-year-olds – non-winners of four going over the five furlong (1,000 metres) round course on Saturday (July 13) at Caymanas Park.
Racing for only the third time on local soil the nimble-footed son of Include, Myntz Connection by Candy Ride ran a quickfire 58.3 behind fractions of 22.2, 45.3 to register his second consecutive win within 14 days of each other and followed upon his opening win over 1,100 metres with jockey Shane Ellis in the irons on the two winning runs.
Trainer by Ralph Porter who conditions Sparkle Diamond for Ven Deezle for the second of his third run on local said that he was elated by the colt’s response since coming under his care.
“I am quite pleased with how the colt is responding so at the moment.
“We are in no hurry with him (Sparkle Diamond), so, we are just taking it to step by step to assess his potential and as time goes by, we will know his true worth.
“We will then see how he progresses to consider any attempt at running him in the Diamond Mile. But from his two performances to date, it looks very good so far and for this, we can’t complain. He is in fine fettle eating well, no problems and he does what he is asked to do in his preparation gallops and, not much else,” said the veteran conditioner.
Ellis for his part was even more effusive.
“What I can tell you is this, Sparkle Diamond is an excellent and gifted racehorse.
“Today (Saturday) he was racing over a trip which was not his yet he was able to throw down 58.3 seconds. And, as you saw he (Sparkle Diamond) is not mature as yet, as he was wandering in the straight. When he gets more matured, he will be even better than he is right now.
“Sparkle Diamond is going to be one of those special racehorses and that can only be good right now,” Ellis stated with conviction in his voice and on his face.
On Saturday, Sparkle Diamond broke quickly and was in front and was never headed as he powered away from rivals to win by 6 ½ lengths. Lady Blue (Omar Walker) was second and a further 3 ½ lengths behind Lady Blue was Prince Charles (Anthony Thomas).
