Egerton-Green’s classic drive on Nevele Arma in $250,000 Diamond Classic

A gem of a drive by Dylan Egerton-Green was a major factor in a last gasp win for Nevele Arma (Huntsville) in her thrilling last gasp win in the Group 1 $250,000 Trotsynd Diamond Classic Final for two year old fillies at Gloucester Park on Friday evening.

The race was expected to be a shoe in for talented filly Seaside Seranade given her perfect draw of barrier two.

To the surprise of many, Seaside Seranade while commencing well enough couldn’t muster enough speed to cross over All Out of Aces who was able to hold the lead. This left Seaside Seranade facing the breeze with Im Catastrophic from the second row following up directly behind the leader while Our Robyn Hood had the one out and one back trail.

Nevele Arma who was directly behind suddenly moved one place closer up when Our Robyn Hood went out three wide.

NEVELE ARMA REPLAY 7 AUGUST

The well supported second favourite Ilikeitlikethat was back in the field and she fired up three wide around the field with a lap left to travel. Egerton-Green decided to sit and still follow up Sunset Seranade who was still battling away. All Out Of Aces continued to show plenty of fight as she stepped up the pace with a 27.6 seconds third quarter.

All Out Of Aces beat off Sunset Seranade but then rolled off the fence as Im Catastrophic charged through with what looked to be a winning run. However when balanced Nevele Arma issued a sharp sprint to grab victory in the shadows of the post by a head from Im Catastrophic with All Out Of Aces holding on for third.

Nevele Arma’s dam Arma Xpress was only lightly raced but won 12 of her 18 appearances. But that included two Group 1s namely the West Australian Sales Classic and the Golden Slipper. In addition she won the Group 2 Champagne Stakes and Westbred Classic.

But it’s at the stud that Arma Xpress has really left her mark. Her progeny include Arma Veyron, American Arma, and the prolific winners Arma Xfactor and Xceptional Arma.

Egerton-Green stated after the event.

Six months ago we didn’t think we’d race her at two. Just so big and very green we were fortunate enough she developed mentally just and a few runs early were all full of merit and she’s just got better every time she’s gone around.

Obviously I thought that the leader had got that break and we wouldn’t catch her as I sometimes struggle at home too. And this one’s tractability sort of a bit wider sort of getting there. Fortunately enough the horse three deep we were able to ease off the corner and she was able to straighten and let down really good. I was confident we’d finish really close but she stormed home good and just lucky that the horse who got the sprint lane didn’t nab me.

It was a great night for Egerton-Green with a training driving treble as he was successful with four year Captain Stirling (Captain Crunch) in the opening event and then later scored on another four year Major Miki Whitby (Always B Miki).

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink