Diego Velazquez looks smart

Those clients who purchased the Royal Ascot Update will be aware that the previously unraced Diego Velazquez was highlighted as a two year old to follow and the Ballydoyle trained youngster didn't disappoint on his belated racecourse bow at the Curragh on Saturday. Sidelined with a minor issue in the early part of the summer, the son of Frankel who is a half-brother to stablemates Broome and Point Lonsdale lined up in a seven furlongs maiden which has been won by subsequent Group 1 National Stakes winner Thunder Moon and Al Riffa. Bought for 2,400,000gns as a yearling, he raced prominently under Ryan Moore and responded well when shaken up. Stretching clear, he was going away at the finish crossing the line nearly five lengths in front. A mile threatens to suit him even more in the Autumn and he looks Group 1 Futurity Stakes at Doncaster in October material. Long-term, he may not possess the speed of Aidan O'Brien's City of Troy but will come into his own over middle distances as a three year old.

I am working at Hamilton Park on Monday and will therefore update the Diary on my return. Don't forget, full details of the forthcoming edition of One Jump Ahead are now available under the Publications section of the site.