Will Clarken will try and emulate the deeds of his cousin Dan when promising filly Kuroyanagi chases a $2m Blue Diamond dream at Caulfield on Saturday.
It’s 11 years since Dan Clarken’s brilliant filly Miracles Of Life claimed the Blue Diamond with Lauren Stojakovic in the saddle and Kuroyanagi heads back to Caulfield on the back of a game Melbourne debut after she was narrowly beaten in the Prelude.
Clarken said Kuroyanagi had thrived since her first trip away and was a glowing example of how the stable’s two bases – Murray Bridge and Sellicks Hill – can work in harmony and benefit their horses.
“She travelled back so well, she had a bit of time at Sellicks in the water,’’ Clarken, who trains in partnership with Niki O’Shea said.
“We made a decision that if she put one foot out of place, we’d pull up stumps and it’s actually been the opposite.
“She’s thrived, she’s put on weight and we’ve been able to get two solid gallops into her between runs, that’s a good sign for a young horse.
“This is the happiest we’ve been with her this preparation,’’ he said.
The stable searched worldwide for a rider to replace Blake Shinn and landed on the in-form Brenton Avdulla for the Blue Diamond mission.
“I watch a fair bit of Hong Kong racing and he’s been in terrific form,’’ Clarken added.
“We looked at the options, you need a world class jockey to get the job done,’’ he said.
Whatever happens on Saturday Clarken holds the belief that Kuroyanagi will be an even better horse next season.
“We’re really hoping she’s more than just a two-year-old,’’ Clarken said.
“Taking a line through Miracles Of Life, they can progress through their juvenile year and into being wonderful mares.
“She looks to us to be a different mould and make to most of the horses in the yard, she’s got something about her.
“Let’s hope lightning (Blue Diamond success) can strike twice,’’ he said.
