Five Diamonds Prelude Tips & Predictions 2026: Best Bets

EVAPORATE (7) looks like the one to beat in the Five Diamonds Prelude after being freshened up for a race that suits him more than his recent races.

The Lindsay Park-trained gelding has already shown he can compete at a high level on both sides of the Tasman, and that experience is enough to take him close.

His latest runs in Group 1 company don’t tell the full story, and this drop in grade gives him an excellent opportunity to bounce back. With Nash Rawiller taking the ride, there’s plenty to like about his chances, and the each-way odds are generous.

Our Five Diamond Prelude predictions have him running well, and he’s a good on-pace type who will be tough to get past. The $4.50 each-way odds at time of publish are worth taking, and they could shorten on race day. We wouldn’t be surprised to see him start as the favourite.

LINEBACKER (2) is the clear danger after putting together two solid runs this preparation.

The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained gelding finished fourth in the Bill Ritchie Handicap before running third in the Alan Brown Stakes, showing that he’s building towards another win.

He’s a Group 1 winner with plenty of quality, and the step up to 1500m looks ideal after those two runs over 1400m. He’s holding his form well, and although he might be an enigmatic type who is tough to follow, the ability is there.

Zac Lloyd is riding better than anyone at the moment, and he could score another big-race win.

BRAVE ONE (11) is worth a look as a roughie in the Five Diamonds Prelude, especially at around $15.00 at time of publish.

The Hawkes-trained gelding has had mixed results recently, but he’s shown enough ability to suggest he can bounce back with the right run in transit.

He finished sixth in the Alan Brown Stakes last time out, and although not close to the winners, it was a solid enough effort for this race. He’s fitter now, and there is no standout bet in this race, so punters could go a bit wider.

Punters get value odds with our Five Diamonds Prelude SRM, which includes our three selected runners.

• Top 2 – No. 2 Evaporate
• Top 3 – No. 1 Linebacker
• Top 5 – No. 8 Brave One

We have Evaporate Top 2, Linebacker Top 3, and Brave One Top 5, which pays $10.50 for our three-runner SRM.

We have Evaporate and Linebacker fighting out the finish, and although we’re leaving out the current favourite, punters get better odds with our multi bet. Include Brave One Top 5 for a bit of value.