Diamond Necklace demonstrated a dazzling display of ability on Sunday at Longchamp. She won the French 1000 Guineas after Rayif kept the 2000 Guineas equivalent in home hands.
Here is the racing news today for Monday.
French Guineas: Diamond Necklace and Rayif win well
Ballydoyle filly Diamond Necklace dazzled in the French 1000 Guineas. Under Ryan Moore for Aidan O’Brien, she kicked clear decisively to win by three lengths. Sent off the 4/5 favourite, she remains unbeaten, with the Prix de Diane (French Oaks), a potential next target. However, she was also shortened for the Oaks at Epsom, now trading at a general 5/1. O’Brien declared afterwards that: “she’s very exciting and we’re so lucky to have her.” (Sky Sports)
The 2000 Guineas prize in France remained on home shores, however. O’Brien and Moore combined for another odds-on favourite in the colts’ Classic. Puerto Rico could only finish fourth though as Rayif won for the all-conquering Francis-Henri Graffard. In the colours of the Aga Khan stud, Rayif was third to Puerto Rico n Group 1 company at two. However, he readily overturned that form to win his third race in four career starts. (Racing TV)
Lingfield Classic Trials enhance winners’ Epsom claims
The Lingfield Derby Trial was won by Maltese Cross for William Haggas. The son of Sea The Stars had gamely won a Newbury novice on his return. He was once again forced to battle in an exciting finish with Ralph Beckett’s Bay Of Brilliance. However, Haggas’ charge prevailed by a neck to set up his Derby tilt. Godolphin favourite Maho Bay disappointed, as did Aidan O’Brien’s Isaac Newton. The first two home are both Derby entrants. Maltese Cross disrupted O’Brien’s stranglehold of the Derby betting, restricting him to the top three in the market. He is a best price of 12/1 for Epsom, with Bay Of Brilliance at 20/1. (Racing Post)
There was no disappointment for O’Brien in the Lingfield Oaks Trial, however. Cameo bounced back from a poor return to easily sweep aside her rivals for the Listed contest. Stepped up substantially in trip, Ryan Moore placed full confidence in her stamina by kicking for home early in the straight. She saw out the distance well to win by four-and-three-quarter lengths. Despite the winning margin, she is still as big as 12/1 for the Oaks. (Sporting Life)
Cobden travels to Ireland to begin McManus journey
Harry Cobden has already ridden on occasion for JP McManus. However, Monday marks a significant day in the jockey’s career as he takes his first ride in the famous green and gold silks as McManus’ official retained rider. He travels across to Killarney for their Monday card. He will partner Gentleman De Mee in the Grade 3 An Riocht Chase. The Willie Mullins-trained ten-year-old is favourite for the 2m4 1/2f chase. (Racing Post)