Champion trainer John O'Brien was a very happy man when thrice Horse of The Year Bruceontheloose withstood the challenge of Gold Cup winner Boogie Blues in the co-feature, the Grade Two High Propulsion Diamond Stakes over 1,350 metres on the main track. Bruceontheloose showed why he is the highest-rated horse in the country by winning the 'diamond' for a second time. However on this occasion, he barely held the final flourish of Boogie Blues to win the $90,000 first prize. The 3-5 favourite had to pull out all the stops to win the best renewal of the Diamond Stakes since centralisation. The roan grey thoroughbred was superbly ridden by Nobel Abrego and O'Brien gave his rider credit for his victory. A happy O'Brien said, "Brego, you win it for me again."
When quizzed about the champion's performance O'Brien added, "I had to lean forward to get him home but Abrego rode a great race. There are no superlatives that you can find to describe Bruceontheloose. There are really none left to describe this super equine athlete. He tracked the speed and engaged them 600 metres out and when he quickened into the lead 200 metres out, I thought it was all over but Boogie Blues made him fight to the line. When I saw Boogie Blues beat Silverleo so easily with his weight last time, I knew we had a race on our hands as he is very fit." O'Brien's only hope is that Bruceontheloose stays around a bit longer. Victorious rider Nobel Abrego, stated,"I was very confident that he would win as he was well prepared. I always thought that the race was mine and coming to the corner I knew I had it. He responded to my urges as he always does and though made to fight for victory, winning for me was never in doubt." Owner Gervan Mouttet was proud as punch as his hero continues to show that he is the best horse in training and on track for another Horse of The Year title.
