Betfred Diomed Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 12:50 | Winning time: 1m 43.56s

(3)

Escobar^t²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 9-8| J: Jason Watson| T: D O'Meara| OR: 109

14/1

Better than ever last term bagging the Challenge Cup over 7f at Ascot (good to soft) in October. has seemingly been working up his fitness so far this term but a steadily-run race would act against him.

Form: 3810-34

(5)

Highland Avenue²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 110| D

2/1

Smart sort who had a quiet time of it last year returned with an excellent effort when second in the Gordon Richards Stakes at Newmarket. Excellent claims if building on that.

Form: 648/89-3

(4)

Imperial Fighter²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 107

9/1

Third in last year's Irish 2000 Guineas but well below that form since, including on reappearance at Newmarket. Others preferred.

Form: 5/330-65

(1)

Marie's Diamond¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 9-8| J: Hollie Doyle| T: R Fell & S Murray| OR: 96

11/2

It's now 25 runs since his last win in 2021 and, while he returned to form at a big price in a York handicap 15 days ago, he's unlikely to snap his losing run in a race of this nature.

Form: 4-60052

(6)

Regal Reality²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 9-8| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 109

5/1

Hasn't enjoyed as much success as one with his talents perhaps should have done and his Winter Hill victory at Windsor last summer was very much a standout effort in 2022. Probably unsuited by ground in Gordon Richards Stakes at Newmarket 27 days ago and this looks a bit easier.

Form: 42815-4

(2)

Kolsai²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: David Egan| T: R Varian| OR: 102| BF

5/2

Confirmed debut promise when landing the odds in a 7f Newmarket maiden last September. Significant step forward back on the Rowley Mile on recent reappearance, finishing second in the listed Fielden Stakes and not seen to best effect at Goodwood last time. Big player.

Form: 21-22

Forecasts

Highland Avenue (2/1), Kolsai (5/2), Regal Reality (5/1), Marie's Diamond (11/2), Imperial Fighter (9/1), Escobar (14/1)

KOLSAI is the least exposed in this field and, based on his positive return in the Fielden Stakes, he's worth another chance to improve (excuses last time). Highland Avenue is an obvious danger on the back of a solid reappearance and Regal Reality can't be dismissed.