6.45 1m. 2f. 150yds. 14 Declared. Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Diamond Stakes (Group 3) of €50,000.00 3-y-o plus
1st - €30,000.00 2nd - €10,000.00 3rd - €5,000.00 4th - €2,500.00 5th - €1,500.00 6th - €1,000.00
FormscanBy Mark Nunan - After an unfortunate experience at Goodwood where he was struck into, VATICAN CITY ran a creditable race behind Safe Voyage on Champions Weekend at Leopardstown. He was keeping on quite nicely over a mile there, and the Irish Guineas runner-up might appreciate stepping up to this distance at a course where he won his maiden last year. Gallinule Stakes winner Crossfirehurricane (Gold Maze behind in second) was a disappointment when fancied for the Irish Derby but has had a break and is proven at this track, albeit it’s probably still riding slower than when he won twice on the old surface in February. Simsir was second to Bolleville in a Listed event at Leopardstown and may fare best of the pair on this occasion with a good track record at this venue, and Irish Lincoln winner Bowerman can give a good account of himself but may find a couple too classy.
For three years old and upwardsWeights - 3-y-o 9st 5lbs 4-y-o and up 9st 10lbs Fillies allowed 3lbsPenalties - (to count from 1st January, 2020) Winner of a Group 2 race 3lb extra Of a Group 1 race 5lb extra