A&G, Diva take Three Diamonds Split

A and Gs Confusion prevailed over a strong headwind as well as a solid field of rivals to take the first of two $23,000 eliminations for the Three Diamonds Stakes for two-year-old pacing fillies tonight at Woodbine Racetrack.

Sent off as the 3-5 favourite, A and Gs Confusion seemed to enjoy being re-united with driver John Campbell. The filly took command just before the half and never let go. Second favourite Up Front Bethann gave it her all, but fell a length short at the wire, while Stylish Artist took the show spot. The winning time was 1:53.3.

A And Gs Confusion, a daughter of Allamerican Native, is conditioned by Mark Capone and owned by the A and G Stables of Bronx, NY. Never worse than second in six starts, she was the winner of the $782,200 Shes A Great Lady Stakes at Mohawk on September 1st and has earned over $475,000 lifetime.

"They're right into the wind, finishing," said Campbell. "They have to have some will to go through that." He added that he has noticed some changes since the last time he took the lines behind A and G's Confusion: "Mark changed her bridle. She's actually driving straighter and she's more professional now," he said.

It was all Arts Diva in the second Three Diamonds elimination. Paul MacDonell turned in his third stakes win of the program by taking charge with the daughter of Art Major – Caliterra early on.

Arts Diva paced easily on the front end and pulled away to a three-length victory in a lifetime best 1:53.1, with a final quarter in :27.4. Gold Not Silver and Chris Christoforou were second, Sprig Hanover, under Mike Saftic's urging, managed third. Thong (Toby Lynch Jr.) hung on for fourth.

"We just felt that maybe she was too far back in the field in some of her maiden races," said MacDonnell. "So we thought if we raced her a little closer to the front, things would change, and they did. She's a little hesitant following horses, but (up front) she grabs onto the bit a little better, so it worked out tonight.

"She (has shown) flashes of brilliance and I really was high on her," he added. "Tonight she's back on that form."

Arts Diva, who is trained by Ken Sucee and owned by Brian Legge of Toronto and Dr. David Legge of Ajax, Ontario, will have her pick of post positions for the $660,200 Three Diamonds Stakes final on October 27th at Woodbine, as will A and Gs Confusion. (WEG)

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