Looks Like Diamonds in upset win at Melton

Consistent mare Looks Like Diamonds (He’s Watching) caused a shock when she upset the odds on harness racing favourite The Highlight Reel in the Benstud Standardbreds Pace at Melton on Saturday evening.

LOOKS LIKE DIAMONDS AUG 9 REPLAY

The Highlight Reel was resuming and was being seriously considered as a potential prospect for the $2.1 million TAB Eureka at Menangle on September 6.

Ozzie Punter showed his customary early speed to lead and The Highlight Reel worked his way around the field to eventually take up the running with a lap left to travel.

From her second row draw Looks Like Diamonds was back at the rear and when the pace slackened off driver David Miles went around the field three wide to race up alongside The Highlight Reel. There was an opportunity for Miles to temporarily drop in behind for a trail but he moved off the fence to have another crack at the lead.

The Highlight Reel couldn’t shake off Looks Like Diamonds and she issued a determined challenge down the home straight and at the end it was her fitness to prevailed to beat The Highlight Reel by just under two metres with Jacca Connor in third.

Miles who also trains the filly expressed his confidence with the filly.

“She’s gone a lot better tonight. I thought she was good winning a couple of weeks ago”.

“Her half sister Our Princess Di got within a half of length of her and there’s not much of a gap between them”.

“But tonight 1.53.4 from the back line that’s pretty good. The Stewart camp are always hard to beat when they find the front. It (The Highlight Reel) did a bit of work off the gate and half way down the back opened up. I thought it might have had a bit of gas. It was first up from a spell and we got a breather for a little bit”.

“When we pulled out we probably just beat it on fitness I think”.

When questioned about a potential invitation for the Eureka Miles was optimistic.

“She’s run second in the Queensland Oaks. She’s won her last two starts here and I’ll throw her hat in the ring if someone wants to ring us and give us a spot. Absolutely we’d be more than pleased to take a trip up there”.

Praising the owners he added “they’re a super loyal group. They’ve been rewarded and a trip to Sydney in a big race like that would be just desserts for these guys”.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink