Local trainer Dan Morton has completed a winning double at Ascot this week with the Ross Price-bred stablemates Bohemian Diamond (Maschino) and Girls Day Out (Long Leaf).
Bohemian Diamond (5m Maschino – Elsie’s Rhapsody by State City) claimed the first-leg after taking advantage of a beautiful trail under Brad Parnham to score by over a length from De Grandhomme (Star Turn) in the Quayclean Hcp (1200m) on Saturday.
“She’s a beautiful mare and was being set for the classics as an autumn 3yo but pulled up lame in the LR Natasha Stakes (1800m),” Morton recalled following the first-up victory. “She won three sprints at Belmont last season and that was great return today.”
Bohemian Diamond was bred by Price (pictured) and he sold her through the Ruby Racing & Breeding consignment for $45,000 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions. The Capel-based horseman was a renowned Group 1 winning trainer before branching out as a breeder and was he honoured at the 2023 WA Spirit of Racing Awards with his wife Tammy.
There are six yearlings entered under the Price Thoroughbreds banner at next month’s Perth Magic Millions and among them is the Maschino full-sister to Bohemian Diamond catalogued as Lot 166 on Thursday, 19 February. Their dam Elsie’s Rhapsody is a full-sister to LR Bunbury Stakes (1400m) winner Reimbursement (State City).
Girls Day Out (4m Long Leaf – Radiant Diva by Lonhro) added the second-leg for Morton and Price when she won first-up from a six-month spell thanks to a well-judged ride by Lucy Fiore in a midweek renewal of the Quayclean Hcp (1000m) at Ascot yesterday.
Girls Day Out / Photo: Western Racepix
She went out a $2.20 favourite and kept Great Promise (Magnus) honest in front before holding on to defeat Don’t Wink (Star Turn) and Mr Kissinger (Trapeze Artist). “That was a strong win and she’s in for good campaign,” Morton confirmed. “She was a beaten favourite several times during a winter prep but we’ve been buoyed by her progress since adding a tongue-tie and cross-over nose-band.”
Girls Day Out was bred by Price using Rangeview Stud sire Long Leaf (Fastnet Rock) over his unraced mare Radiant Diva who is a half-sister to 9 winners topped by Our Joan Of Arc (G3 VRC Maribyrnong Plate).
Like Bohemian Diamond, Price offered her through the Ruby Racing & Breeding draft to the 2023 Perth Magic Millions and she was purchased for $85,000 by Morton on behalf of a Ladies Syndicate managed by his wife Carol.
