Diploma can make the grade up in class

It might be worth forgiving Snoano’s latest effort 1.45 York

Tim Easterby’s gelding had been in good form before running at Goodwood towards the end of last month, when his chance was compromised by a high draw that resulted in him being dropped right out. To be fair, he did well (best of those held up) to stick on for sixth of 17, leaving the impression he was still going the right way.

Back in June he showed plenty of stamina when winning over 1m4f on easy ground at this track. The going was softer again at Haydock on Snoano’s next start, but he tanked into the lead two furlongs out, only to fade into fourth, looking for all the world that he got there too soon. Still, that effort, along with an earlier second on soft ground at Thirsk, suggests he will be fine if the ground is on the slow side. And the fact he stays further than this 1m2½f should hold him in good stead, with a brisk wind combined with the going likely to make this a decent test.

I’m not too concerned with his wide draw, as they will swing into the centre of the track in the home straight and I would rather be towards the outside than against the inside rail.