Melbourne Cup prospect Diamond shines in Dee
Report: Chester, Friday
Addleshaw Goddard Dee Stakes (Group 3) 1m2½f, 3yo colts and geldings
GLEN'S DIAMOND justified favouritism with a battling victory on his first attempt in Group company.
The Richard Fahey-trained gelding, sent off at 2-1, stayed on stoutly to score by two and a quarter lengths from 5-2 shot Maqaraat. Tinkertown (11-1) was third of the six runners.
The Group 3 victory gave Fahey and champion jockey Paul Hanagan a quick-fire double following Kyllachy Star's success in the opening race.
But the result is unlikely to have any bearing on the Investec Derby, with Glen's Diamond ineligible because he has been gelded and none of the other runners entered for the Epsom Classic.
Fahey holds Glen's Diamond in some regard - "I like him an awful lot" - but said he was yet to come in his coat and would not be rushed this season.
"I was very worried before the race on account of the track and ground, but he'll be a horse for the Melbourne Cup one day. I've told the owner [Steve Clayton] that's where he'll end up," the trainer said.
"You'll see a proper racehorse next year - I won't be too tough on him this year. A lot of people have been after him already for jumping and there's been interest from Australia for the Melbourne Cup."
Hanagan said: "He'll be better over further on a bit better ground and a more galloping track."
Glen's Diamond's participation had been in doubt overnight, with Fahey unwilling to risk him if the ground was "rattling fast", but he proved he was up to Group class after being given the go-ahead.
Hanagan settled him in fourth in the early stages, as Maqaraat made the running from Laajooj and The Paddyman, before taking closer order in the back straight.
Rounding the turn there were three in line at the front, with Glen's Diamond challenging on the outside of Maqaraat and Laajooj, and Hanagan was quick to strike for home.
The challengers were not subdued immediately, but Glen's Diamond galloped on well in the style of a strong stayer and was clearly on top at the line.
Maqaraat stuck on gamely to take second with Tinkertown, who had threatened a strong challenge from the rear early inthe straight, just held by a nose in third place.
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