Thurlow bids to become Diamond

One of 15 runners in the race, she is joined in the line-up by her Robert Smerdon-trained stablemate Fontiton, who recently won a key trial, the Blue Diamond Prelude - off the back of that victory she is widely tipped to land the prize, but Thurlow has been impressing in her home work.

Geoffrey Faber, Qatar Racing's representative in Australia, said earlier this week: "Thurlow did well in her final gallop this morning in preparation for the Blue Diamond. Regular rider Jack Hill reported he was happy with her action and feels she has never been better. Working upsides race favourite Fontiton, both finished strongly on the bridle."

Thurlow gained her place in the line-up with victory in the Gr.3 Chairman's Stakes at Sandown-Hillside in Melbourne earlier this month. The daughter of Sebring - a $150,000 purchase by David Redvers at the 2014 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale - gained her price back in prize money when landing that race, and she also took the Listed Santa's Magical Kingdom Stakes during the Australian spring.

Tomorrow's race is an additional 200 metres, and Caulfield is a tighter track than Melbourne, but she has drawn stall eight and is next to the fast-starting Of The Brave, which should mean she gets a lead into the position of jockey Craig Williams' choosing. Fontiton has drawn stall one on the rail.

Williams also rides the Peter Moody-trained Betsy for Qatar Racing in a supporting race on the card, the Gr.3 Caulfield Autumn Classic (16.15/05.15). A daughter of leading sire Redoute's Choice, she won a maiden at Cranbourne in August, but faces a tough task against colts at this level.

Picture of Thurlow winning the Magical Kingdom Stakes by Sharon Lee of Fast Track Photography