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  • Normandy Invasion breezed 4f in :48.40 (3/56) at Saratoga on 6-16. Posted 2 days ago
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  • Free World rolls in the Centaur Stakes at Indiana Downs! Posted 3 days ago
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  • The slipper fits for Sprouts in the Cinderella!Posted 3 days ago

Dust and Diamonds Rolls in the Gallant Bloom

Dust-and-Diamonds-Gallant-Bloom
Photo: NYRA, Adam Coglianese
 
Throw out my Gallant Bloom race analysis because nothing went according to how I thought it would today! Going into today’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint championship series race, I thought that with all the speed drawn toward the inside, the pace setters would burn themselves out and set things up for stalkers and closers Turbulent Descent, Musical Romance, and Emma’s Encore. Boy was I ever wrong!
 
 
At the break, Roman Treasure and Dust and Diamonds broke on top with Roman Treasure grabbing the early lead. Content to let the Michael Hushion trainee do all the dirty work, Dust and Diamonds took up a stalking position right to her competitor’s outside while Roman Treasure zipped through the opening quarter in 21.82 and the half in 44.49. Wheeling out of the turn and into the stretch, Roman Treasure had had enough, but Dust and Diamonds kept rolling right on along. Despite drifting out in the late stages of the race, Dust and Diamonds had enough left to post a 1 ¼ length victory over second place finisher Judy the Beauty, who finished 3 ¼ lengths in front of Musical Romance. Post time favorite Turbulent Descent finished fourth. Dust and Diamonds completed the 6 ½ furlong race in 1:14.71, a new stakes record and just a shade off the track record.
 
 
Today’s win was Dust and Diamonds’ first graded stakes victory, and it also stamped her ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. Her career record now stands at 9: 5-0-4, and she is on a three race winning streak. 
 
 
If you’re looking for a filly that is on the rise, this very well may be your girl. After winning her maiden at first asking in August of 2010, Dust and Diamonds placed 3rd in the 2010 running of the Presque Isle Debutante Stakes behind It’s Me Mom, won an allowance race at Saratoga after being out for nearly an entire year, and then ran third three consecutive times in allowance optional claiming races between October 2011 and January of this year. Since then, however, she has been flawless, winning her last three races by a combined 11 ½ lengths while stepping up in company each time.
 
 
This is a filly who appears to be peaking at the right time, and after today’s performance, discounting her in the Filly and Mare Sprint would be simply foolish. After seeing her easily put away a more accomplished field, I look for her to be a big factor come November. 

 

What the Nation is saying about Dust and Diamonds Rolls in the Gallant Bloom...

One thing is for sure, people will be taking a second look at her come the first weekend in November.
When I saw her break her maiden at Laurel Park in 2010, I thought "Wow" what a great filly. I am glad that I got to photograph her! Liz
I thought Dust and Diamonds might be cheaper going in, but she proved to be a new female sprinting star today!

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Meet Ashley Tamulonis
 
Growing up, I cannot remember a time when I did not love horses. I also loved reading, so it was only a matter of time before my two obsessions combined into one; I have my mom to thank for that one. Knowing how much I loved horses, when she stumbled upon the book Ashleigh’s Diary by Joanna Campbell, she bought it and brought it home to me. After reading the book, I was hooked. Though horse racing was not mentioned in that book, which was a super edition chronicling events that happened before the main character and her family became involved in the sport, it was what the series was all about. Additionally, thanks to the series, I actually wanted to become a jockey.
 
The Thoroughbred book series kick started what would become a lifelong passion. Unfortunately, Georgia is not exactly big on horse racing, so I have never actually been to a live race. However, I watched every race that was shown on TV; and now, as an adult, I follow the races closer than ever, handicapping, betting on, and blogging about them.
 
I am in the process of earning my B.A. in History at Macon State College, in Macon, Georgia. Along with reading, I have always loved writing. Once I was done with the bulk of my college career and had the time to write for pleasure, I started my own blog, Wired with Ashley Paige, which you can read here. When I was offered the chance to write for Horse Racing Nation, I jumped at the chance. Though I did not pursue a journalism degree in college, I would love nothing more than to pursue a career in writing, especially if it means I can combine my love of writing with my passion for horse racing.