Oh Diamond Lil set for Hawkesbury Crown return in 2026

David Pfieffer is recreating the strategy that succeeded with Oh Diamond Lil in springtime to bag the pretty mare an additional stakes conquest in the Hawkesbury Crown.

On her fresh start in September, the five-year-old set the pace all the way to capture the Group 3 Tibbie Stakes (1400m) at Newcastle, and Pfieffer is optimistic of replication over the same span at Hawkesbury this Saturday.

“She looks good, and her first-up record is quite good,” Pfieffer said.

“She won first-up at Scone last year, and when she won the Tibbie at Newcastle she was first-up.

“I think she is well placed.”

Oh Diamond Lil, by So You Think, has been masterfully prepared by Pfieffer for seven wins across 17 races.

Complementing her stakes success at Newcastle, she trailed Group 1 star Stefi Magnetica by fewer than three lengths in The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick in October, and was fourth past the post to Verona Rose in the Inglis Bracelet (1600m) at Flemington subsequently.

Pfieffer is certain she has reported back in fine fettle or superior and is keen for her to boost her achievements from Hawkesbury onwards.

Plans include the Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) at Scone on May 16 as her next engagement, before a Queensland winter carnival slate possibly featuring the Magic Millions National Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 6.

“She’s got a lovely string of races coming up for her,” Pfieffer said.

With his Warwick Farm outfit, the trainer has produced superb results: 11 winners and 16 placings from 50 recent runners, featuring debut winner Call Me Zeus at Kembla Grange on Wednesday.

His last 20 have yielded five triumphs and eight further minors.

“Everything is racing well. If they’re not winning, they’re running placings,” Pfieffer said.

“Probably too many seconds for my liking lately.

“But as long as they’re racing well, running up to their mark and winning prizemoney, they’re keeping their owners happy.”

Oh Diamond Lil leads Hawkesbury Crown (1300m) wagering at $3.60 favourite, from Surfin’ Bird ($4.60) on NSW debut post four Victorian wins from six, and Chidiac ($5) from the Country Championships Final.

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