4.55 5f. 9 Declared. Mongey Communications H'cap of €21,000.00 3-y-o plus
1st - €12,600.00 2nd - €4,200.00 3rd - €2,100.00 4th - €1,050.00 5th - €630.00 6th - €420.00
FormscanBy Mark Nunan - A big-priced debut winner at this track last year, ROUGH DIAMOND is unexposed as a sprint handicapper compared to a lot of these rivals and looks on a competitive mark. He was just behind Strong Johnson when a close-up third over the sharp five at Tipperary in June before finishing a respectable sixth in a premier handicap over a furlong further here last month. The stiff five here should suit and he’ll probably be played late by Mark Enright. Last year’s Rockingham winner Strong Johnson gained his first success since then when beating Indigo Balance in a non-handicap last time and, much better off at the weights with that rival, has to be respected with Colin Keane on board again. Shelly Banks won well over course and distance back in June and a little ease in the ground would help her, while this year’s Rockingham third Jungle Jane could be interesting if a first-time visor has the desired effect.
An extended handicap for three years old and upwards (100 = 9st 12lbs)Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 9st 12lbs and the minimum weight shall not be less than 8st 6lbsPenalties - (after calculation of the handicap) A winner shall carry 6lb extra for each race won.