Too Many Diamonds settoshine
TOO MANY DIAMONDS is being asked a big question at Market Rasen today, as he bids for a hat-trick of handicap hurdle wins inside seven days.
Dan Skelton’s six-year-old started the sequence at Plumpton, when a 13-length winner. Then he slaughtered 10 rivals at Sedgefield on Tuesday.
They were both Class 5 events. Today his two penalties take him into Class 4 company, off bottom weight, slipping into the handicap by 2lb.
It’s likely that fitness will be the biggest issue today, for there is a real lack of depth in the opposition, which may be led by Ali Stronge’s Cappielow Park.
The booking of Noel Fehily for After Eight Sivola in the Class 3 handicap is eye-catching and after a four-month break, you can see why he took the job.
His comeback run last month saw him finish fourth of six at Taunton behind Beau Du Brizais – but only beaten four lengths – when lack of sharpness told late.
Nick Williams’ sevenyear-old has been chasing and struggling with the handicapper, but now goes to post off 119, 1lb lower then his last winning mark.
Marienstar is pretty moderate and only arrived at Alexandra Dunn’s yard from Ireland two weeks ago. But Stratford’s seller will take little winning.
There was enough promise in some of the mare’s form, notably a February Clonmel Maiden third which, if repeated, should be strong enough today.