Melbourne Cup Betting

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Earthquake Devastates Blue Diamond Field

Peter Snowden continues to build his mantle as the best trainer of youngsters in Australia after 2 year old filly Earthquake dominated in the $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

Given a brilliant ride by jockey Damian Browne, he overcame barrier 15 and got into a great spot just behind the speed, before running down Rubick in the straight to win by 2 lengths.

Mick Price made up the placings with Jabali finishing strongly into second and outsider Cornrow not far behind in third.

But all honours went to the favourite Earthquake, who is every chance to head to the Golden Slipper in Sydney in April.

New Zealand jockey Browne was very complimentary to his mount and believes she will not take any harm from the race.

"I just let her down in the straight and she sprinted like a very, very good filly," he said.

"Nothing worries her, she's so tremendously relaxed and she's so good for racing."

"It seemed effortless when I pulled her out, she just did the rest and what a great future she has."

Snowden, who will be stepping down as head trainer of Darley after the Autumn carnival was noticeably pleased to get another big Group 1.

"It's really appropriate that we leave the operation on a winning note."

Rubick finished fourth, and a disappointed trainer Gerald Ryan said his horse will still look towards the Slipper in 6 weeks.

"I'll give him a week's break and put him back into work on Monday week and then look at a Golden Slipper preparation."

However that has now been changed, and Rubick will be spelled and miss the lucrative 2yo event.

Earthquake is now a very short $2.75 favourite for that race.

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