The Tony Rivalland-trained four-year-old More Than Ready gelding Diamond King has always been a classy sort but has had “mechanical problems” chiefly related to muscles. However, according to the yard he has come back a different horse since a two-and-a-half month break on the farm.

He proved this when staying on for a decent 3,1 length sixth in the Gr 2 Post Merchants over 1200m last time out, despite being 3,5kg under sufferance with the winner. The yard said he had come out of the race exceptionally well. He is now 1,5kg better off for a 2,25 length beating by Fourth Estate in the Christmas Handicap over course and distance and has the same draw of three from that race.

His best win was over course and distance in the KZN Guineas Trial as a three-year-old and big things were expected of him at that stage. Rivalland’s assistant Terry Fripp said, “He just has to repeat his Christmas Handicap win to be a live runner.” He appeared confident that he would at least reproduce that performance.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Diamond King (Nkosi Hlophe)

VDJ betting now open: Pick 6 starts in Race 4 – estimated pool R12million.