Most jockeys would be excited and head over heels for a chance to ride in the ultra-rich Diamond Mile, but not so for Ameth Robles.

While he is happy and grateful for being one of the 16 riders aiming for glory in the race, the Panamanian said that he is more focused on execution than excitement.

The Diamond Mile, which is set for November 9 at Caymanas Park, has a purse of US$115,000 (over $14-million).

Robles, winner of 265 races at Caymanas Park, is more than likely to be on top of the Gary Subratie-conditioned Sentient, who finished third in the Superstakes under Robles behind She’s A Maneater and Toona Ciliata.

Robles said he thinks he will have a better race for the Diamond Mile aboard Sentient.

“Diamond Mile race day is the biggest race day for the year, as the purses for all the races are over $1 million and with the Diamond Mile itself being US$115,000. It will be all excitement on the day and I am just happy that I will be getting a ride in the race — and I must thank the trainer (Gary Subratie) and other connections for that.

“I think he (Sentient) will be better for the Diamond Mile, as the distance is just right for him. I think he has a chance — as long as you are in a race, you have a chance of winning. There will be some very good horses coming into the race but I am going to hold my position well and hope for the best,” Robles told The Supreme Racing Guide.

Robles has been in tremendous form this season, riding 10 winners so far, including three wins on the talented two-year-old Wow Wow.

“It would feel really great if I could win; the feeling would be nice, the prize would be nice. I mean, everything would be nice. I have been riding in good form of late and so I am not nervous going into the race.

“The winners come easy sometimes and sometimes it is very rough. I have been riding with a lot of discipline and that is what I am taking with me in the Diamond Mile,” Robles said.

Ruddy Allen