James Doyle is on Marie's Diamond© Photo Healy Racing
Marie’s Diamond returns to the Curragh for the Jebel Ali Racecourse And Stables Anglesey Stakes on Saturday.
Mark Johnston’s Leicester and Chester winner proved his worth at Pattern level when narrowly denied by the Aidan O’Brien-trained Van Beethoven in the Group Two Railway Stakes on Irish Derby weekend.
The winner disappointed on his next start in the July Stakes at Newmarket, as did the third Certain Lad in the Superlative at the same meeting, but connections of Marie’s Diamond nevertheless head to Ireland with high hopes of Group Three honours.
Mike Prince, of Middleham Park Racing, said: “We were delighted to get James Doyle booked earlier in the week, we knew he was going over to ride Sea Of Class in the Oaks.
“We were pleased with his run in the Railway, but obviously that form hasn’t worked out too well to date.
“We’ve been pleased with our lad since, though, and expect him to run another good race.”
O’Brien has saddled 11 previous winners of the Anglesey Stakes and this year relies on Just Wonderful, who was a disappointing favourite in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot, and last week’s Navan maiden winner Fantasy.
Just Wonderful was having only her second career start at the Royal meeting, having won a Curragh maiden, and the Ballydoyle trainer feels she will be wiser for the experience.
He said: “She’s in good form. She got a little bit of time since Ascot and she’s just ready to start back again.
“Maybe the whole occasion just came a little bit too quick for her at Ascot.”
The Khalid Abdullah-owned Viadera appears a major contender for Ger Lyons following her successful racecourse debut at the Curragh three weeks ago.
Jim Bolger’s Cruciatus and Gee Rex from John Hayden’s yard complete the line-up.
