Diamond Rain looks a gem with Newbury Listed win

DUBAI: Diamond Rain backed up the promise of her debut success with an impressive victory in the Listed Fillies’ Trial at Newbury on Saturday.

Stepping up in grade and distance 17 days ater scoring at Ascot, the Charlie Appleby-trained filly raced in second as Meribella established a two-length advantage.

Litle separated all five runners as the pace lited three furlongs from home, with Diamond Rain staying on strongly to hit the front entering the final quarter-mile.

Diamond Rain drited towards the stands’ rail over half a furlong out, briefly opening the door for Siyola and Ejaabiyah.

The daughter of Shamardal, who is out of three-time G1 winner Dancing Rain, went on again ater straightening up to score by just over two lengths in the 10-furlong contest.

Charlie Appleby said: “It was a pleasing performance from Diamond Rain, who acquited herself well with the step up in class and trip. We gave her an entry in the Irish Oaks and it might be something that we work backwards from.”

Meanwhile, King Of Conquest narrowly missed out on a first Group-race victory as he was caught by Middle Earth in the final strides of the G3 Aston Park Stakes.

A Listed winner at Goodwood 12 months ago, King Of Conquest raced prominently throughout and tracked Cemhaan in second before Desert Hero passed the Charlie Appleby-trained fiveyear-old with a mile to race.

Having regained second half a mile from home, King Of Conquest took up the running just inside the final two furlongs and kicked on into a two-length lead for William Buick passing the furlong-pole.

Middle Earth made relentless late headway and joined King Of Conquest in the final 50 yards, edging out the rallying Godolphin runner on the line to prevail by a nose.

Appleby said: “King Of Conquest ran another good, solid race and showed that he is up to winning at this level. Hopefully, he can pick up a nice race at some point this season, especially if the ground is slightly easier.”

Ancient Wisdom rallied to take second behind impressive winner Economics in the G2 Dante Stakes at York, UK.

Making his three-year-old return, last year’s G1 Futurity Trophy winner raced freely in a close fith between Al Mumsak and Cambridge as God’s Window and Caviar Heights led the seven runners.

Cambridge looked to force the pace passing the three-furlong pole, with William Buick briefly forced to delay his challenge soon ater by a strong-travelling Economics, shuffling the Godolphin runner back to sixth.