Oh Diamond Lil poised for Mona Lisa Stakes return, says King

Despite her quirky nature, stakes winner Oh Diamond Lil is considered by jockey Rachel King to be in the correct frame of mind for a return to top form in the Mona Lisa Stakes at Wyong. King partnered the David Pfieffer-trained mare for her most significant triumph in the Group 3 Tibbie Stakes (1400m) at Newcastle last spring.

The six-year-old's form has been inconsistent since that win, with King suggesting the mare's mental state, rather than her physical condition, is the primary factor. "She's a bit of a weirdo but the guy who has been riding her work has done a really good job with her this 'prep'," King remarked. "She's still got her ways about her, but when she's on the track she has been more relaxed than ever."

King continued, "At the moment they've got her in a really good headspace and she's back to firing like she was when I was last winning on her. She's fit and healthy and looks great. She has done plenty of work, she's had good, solid trials and she's ready to go."

Oh Diamond Lil's last start was a fourth place in the Magic Millions National Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm in June. However, she has performed admirably in recent trials and boasts a solid record when racing first-up.

King's other ride, Bella Montagna in the Wyong Gold Cup (2100m), also comes off a Queensland campaign that included a second in the Premier's Cup (2400m) and a fifth in the Brisbane Cup (3200m), both times behind Alalcance. This residual fitness suggests Bella Montagna will be a strong contender.

"Distance-wise, it's the right trip for her (first-up) and I'm sure coming from Gai and Adrian's she'll be fit enough first-up," King said. "She is definitely improving and she has each prep. Even last prep, she improved throughout the whole preparation."

She added, "I was pretty confident going into a Brisbane Cup it would suit her. She probably didn't quite see out the two miles trying it the first time, but I think she'll benefit a lot from it and she's the kind of mare who can get over that trip eventually. It will be interesting to see how she's come back having had that little bit of a break. I think she has probably strengthened up a bit."

King hopes to emulate her 2020 success in the Wyong Cup-Mona Lisa Stakes double aboard Paths of Glory and Asiago. For those keen on the Mona Lisa Stakes, exploring online bookmakers for the best betting markets for the race is advised.