BLUE Diamond second favourite Rubick will have his final piece of fast work on Monday at Caulfield before Saturday's $1 million race.
Gerald Ryan says he’s received effusive reports from foreman Sterling Alexio and jockey Brenton Avdulla about how the colt had progressed from his Blue Diamond Prelude victory at Caulfield a week ago.
Ryan will fly to Melbourne to oversee the gallop on the steeple grass after it was decided that the course proper near the outside rail may be too firm.
“From what Sterling and Brenton tell me the horse is terrific,” Ryan said.
Tuesday’s barrier draw for the $1 million race will play a pivotal part in shaping the race. Ryan says he would love to draw “seven or eight”.
Ryan said he was "not a huge rap” on drawing an inside gate as there was a tendency for horses to be used up early to hold their position.
“I’d much prefer to draw the middle of the line where you can dictate the speed and how the horse should be ridden,” he said.
Sportsbet.com.au rates Rubick at $3.20 with Earthquake the $2.70 favorite. (racing network)