Murtagh hoping for big show from Valour Johnny Murtagh is expecting a good run from True Valour in the Investec Diomed Stakes at Epsom on Saturday. The Qatar Racing-owned colt finished third in the Group Three Amethyst Stakes at Leopardstown last month and Murtagh does not expect the undulations of Epsom to cause his charge any problems. Murtagh said: “He’s in good shape. He ran a good race the last day and has been in good form since. “It looks an open race. I don’t think there’s a stand-out horse in it. I thought it was a good option for him. “We want to try to win a Group Three with him and he’s a very straightforward horse who goes on most ground.” Ruth Carr has been pleased to see the rain fall to help Sovereign Debt in his quest to win the prize for the second year running. “The ground is looking in our favour, so that’s good for the old boy,” said the North Yorkshire trainer. “Hopefully he can recapture his best. He’s not going into the race in the same form as last year, but he’s done it before. “He doesn’t have a penalty this year. He’s off level weights so hopefully that will see him to better effect.” Previous winner Desert Law heads Paul Midgley’s three-pronged attack on the Investec Corporate Banking Dash. Midgley is hoping history will repeat itself as Desert Law will race from stall one, the same draw he had when successful in 2015. The York handler said: “He’s been fantastic for us. He ran well at Epsom the time before last, but probably didn’t quite fire at York last time, but he seems in great form again. “I know it’s different ground, but he ran from stall one when he did win this race. “Caspian Prince is next to him in two. You’d have preferred to be a bit higher, but I don’t see too many negatives for him. “The massive thing with him is he loves Epsom, so I’m expecting a big run.” Midgley believes his other two runners, Tarboosh and Tanasoq, are not without a chance. He said: “If they’re good enough to go you might as well send them, as there’s only one Dash a year.” Robert Eddery does not want it to be too testing for Equimou, who shaped well when fourth to Mabs Cross in the Palace House Stakes on her reappearance. “I thought she ran a blinder at Newmarket. I was delighted with her,” said the Newmarket trainer. “I’d be concerned on Saturday if the ground came up very soft, but hopefully it won’t. “The form is there. She’s just got to go there and do it.” Richard Fahey hopes Dance Diva, who was second to Threading on her first try at a mile on her latest start, can put up a good show in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes. He said: “She’s running OK and got beat by a decent filly at York. “She won’t mind the ground. I hope she’ll cope with the track. You don’t know until you try. “She’s knocking on the door. Hopefully one day she’ll get in it.”
