Diamond Oops proves versatility with late rush in Phoenix

At the top of the Keeneland short stretch, it appeared 51-1 longshot Empire of Gold would pull off a stunner in Friday's $200,000 Phoenix Stakes (G2) going six furlongs on the dirt at Keeneland.

However, the huge upset was not to be, as lukewarm 3-1 favorite Diamond Oops, ridden by Florent Geroux, closed late to run down Empire of Gold and get the win.

Versatile Diamond Oops, trained by Patrick Biancone, came into the race off a win in the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2) on Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs on Sept. 5.

“He’s a tremendous horse,” Geroux said after the race. “He does it all you know. He can even run longer too if you ask him to and he runs on any surface.”

Geroux added he was confident Diamond Oops would be able to run down longshot Empire of Gold.

“I was trying to time it right because when he makes the lead he’ll throw his heels up a little bit and slow himself down," Geroux said. "I was just trying to time it right. When he saw the horse (Empire of Gold) as his target, I knew we were going to get him.”

The win gave Diamond Oops, a 5-year-old gelded son of Lookin at Lucky, entry into the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint, also at Keeneland. However, given the ability Diamond Oops has also shown on turf, a decision will need to be made.

Assistant trainer Andie Biancone said she did not know which direction her father would ultimately choose for the Breeders’ Cup. Patrick Biancone owns Diamond Oops in partnership with Diamond 100 Racing Club, Amy E. Dunne and DP Racing LLC.

“Knowing Patrick he’ll probably wake up about a week out and make his decision just based on whatever it is he’s feeling,” assistant trainer Andie Biancone said. “Maybe we’ll flip a coin, we’ll see.”

Splits for the race were :22.24, :44.73 and :56.42. The winning time for six furlongs 1:09.24.

Empire of Gold and Echo Town finished second and third respectively. Diamond Oops returned $8.60 for the win.