Jason Collett will partner La Diosa in her
Australian debut, but riding engagements for the remainder of the top filly's
autumn campaign have yet to be confirmed.
The former New Zealand apprentice will have the first chance to impress aboard
the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas winner in Saturday week's Gr.2 Surround
Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
"Jason will be on her in her first start, but we're not 100 per cent sure after
that," said Matt Brown, who trains the So You Think filly with his wife Mandy.
"We've had tentative talks with Hugh Bowman's agent, who is also Jason's agent
and that's why Jason got the ride as Hugh had another commitment."
La Diosa is scheduled to make her second appearance in the Gr.3 Keith Nolan
Classic (1600m) at Kembla Grange on March 10 followed by the Gr.1 Vinery Stud
Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 25.
"Hopefully, it will be on to the Oaks with her after that," said Brown,
referring to the $A1 million Gr.1 ATC Oaks (2400m) at Randwick on April 8.
La Diosa arrived in Sydney without incident last Friday and she has settled in
well at John Sargent's Randwick stables.
"She's doing better than we thought – she's eating and drinking well so we
couldn't be happier," Brown said.
"She can be a bit quirky, but she has taken it all in her stride. Mandy will be
with her 24/7 – she won't let her out of her sight."
Meanwhile, Matt Brown will be at Riccarton on Thursday with stable runner
Powerball, who makes a fresh start in the Punters' Challenge April 8 Maiden.
"He's got a lot of ability, but he doesn't put it together on race day," he
said. "If he did then he could win them in a row." – NZ Racing Desk.