fly leapt start, raced wide in touch, ridden halfway, edged left and weakened 1f out
tracked leading pair, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong, eased when held near finish
led, ridden inside final furlong, ran on, headed post
tracked leader, ridden over 1f out, ran on to lead post
close up, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
dwelt in rear, pushed along 3f out, ridden and headway entering final furlong, kept on one pace
Dinkum Diamond is among the class acts here having finished a close third to Deacon Blues in a Group 3 at Newbury in the autumn. He has to concede weight to all of his rivals, however, on ground that is probably a little softer than ideal. Tax Free has been a grand servant to the Nicholls yard but isn't getting any younger and usually needs a run or two to put him straight while Johnny Mudball has a long absence to overcome. TRIPLE ASPECT didn't manage a win last year but kept very good company and a reproduction of his fifth in the Duke Of York Stakes or subsequent second to Bated Breath at Windsor would suffice here.
Dinkum Diamond (IRE) 5-1 (9-0) Raced keenly in touch, effort 2f out, soon ridden, outpaced when not much room 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 10, 7l behind Royal Rock (9-1) at Ascot 6f Grp 3 (1) gd in Oct.
Tax Free (IRE) 20-1 (9-8) Towards rear stand side, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 13th of 24, 5l behind Cheveton (8-11) at Ayr 6f hcp (2) sft in Sep.
Foxy Music 40-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, weakened over 1f out, 14th of 20, 7l behind Steps (8-10) at Doncaster 5f hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Oct.
Jonny Mudball 4-1 (9-2) last of 11, 5l behind Inxile (8-13) at Longchamp(FR) 5f Grp 3 (1) gd in May.
Triple Aspect (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) Held up in touch, ridden and unable to quicken entering final 2f, no chance after, 5th of 10, 5l behind Night Carnation (8-9) at Sandown 5f Grp 3 (1) gf in Jul.
Liberty Lady (IRE) 28-1 (9-4) In touch, ridden 2f out, no impression on leaders, 7th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Medicean Man (9-5) at Ascot 5f hcp (2) gd in Jul.
