Diamondsandrubies 'in great form'

Connections of Diamondsandrubies are expecting a stern examination of their filly as she lines up in the Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained filly scored a first victory at Group One level when holding 1000 Guineas winner Legatissimo by a short head in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh last month.

Diamondsandrubies had previously finished fourth in the Oaks at Epsom, two places behind Legatissimo, but she endured a troubled passage that day.

Legatissimo will be in opposition once again at Goodwood along with Prix de Diane victor Star Of Seville, and Richard Henry, part owner and breeder of Diamondsandrubies, knows it will be a tough test.

He said: "Aidan tells me Diamondsandrubies has been in great form since her Pretty Polly Stakes success.

"It looks a particularly strong renewal with a pair of Classic winners in the mix. Goodwood is a pretty unique track but we're hopeful she'll handle it."

Legatissimo's trainer David Wachman is pleased enough with his filly's condition but following some ill fortune on her latest start at the Curragh, he is hoping for a little luck this time.

He said: "She seems well and we're happy enough with her. If she can stay in one piece we'd have a chance, I hope."

Star Of Seville is one of three representatives for John Gosden, along with Bright Approach and Jazzi Top, with the Derby-winning trainer bidding for a fourth successive win in the race following The Fugue (2012), Winsili (2013) and Sultanina (2014).

Star Of Seville finished well down the field in the Oaks at Epsom but bounced back to form when creating a minor surprise at Chantilly in the French equivalent of the Oaks.

Jazzi Top was four places ahead of Star Of Seville on her latest start in the Oaks while the four-year-old Bright Approach will be having her first outing since beating only one home in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Ascot last year. The latter is the mount of Richard Hughes, who retires at the end of the meeting.

Gosden said: "Star Of Seville obviously ran a great race in the Prix de Diane. We are aware this a high-quality race against some proper fillies though.

"This is Jazzi Top's trip, as it is for Star Of Seville, and Jazzi will be a better filly than she was in the Oaks. She's really strengthend up and could be in the shake up.

"Bright Approach has been off for a long time but she's been working well.

"I was keen to start her back on some nice ground and get her out there. I'm delighted Hughesie can ride her in what will be his last Group One."

Star Of Seville's jockey Frankie Dettori said: " We have got the trip right with Star Of Seville now. She is a mile-and-a-quarter filly as she showed in the Musidora and the Diane - the mile and a half of the Oaks was too far.

"The Goodwood race is just what she wants."