Andrew Adkins has capped his latest return to the saddle with a slashing win in the Civic Stakes, while champion hoop James McDonald is under a fitness cloud.

Injury rerouted Diamond Diesel from his original path, but that has proven fortuitous for connections.

Diamond Diesel is fast closing on being trainer Adam Duggan’s winningest horse and he’ll move into second place on the charts if he adds Saturday’s Listed $200,000 The Agency Civic Stakes (1400m) to his record.

Gosford trainer Adam Duggan is hoping further rain pushes the Newcastle track into the heavy range ahead of Diamond Diesel strutting his stuff in the $250,000 De Bortoli Wines Takeover Target Stakes on Saturday.

Trainer Adam Duggan is banking on the proven liking Diamond Diesel and Border Control have for their home track kicking in to make a difference in the Polytrack Provincial-Midway Championship Qualifier over 1200 metres there on Saturday.