Diamond Necklace makes it six out of six

Diamond Necklace was the star of the show on day three of 'Glorious' Goodwood. The unbeaten daughter of St Mark's Basilica made it six wins from as many starts in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes. Aidan O'Brien's filly was gaining her fourth win at the highest level as she comfortably accounted for her four rivals by upwards of two and three quarter lengths. Ryan Moore's mount tracked Friendly Soul in the homestraight before leading over a furlong out. Pushed clear, she is an exceptional filly who is effective over a mile and ten furlongs. A dual Classic winner in France earlier in the season, she is entered in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp (4th October). It is hoped that is the route the Ballydoyle filly takes but much will depend on stablemate Constitution River's performance in the Juddmonte International at York next month. It all depends whether connections elect to keep Diamond Necklace over ten furlongs or try her over further - the Group 1 Prix Vermeille at Longchamp (6th September) is an option. Regardless of which route she takes between now and the end of the season, it will take a top-class horse to beat her.

The O'Brien filly features in the Top 40 Prospects and her stable companion Man's Best Friend (11/2) is highlighted in the Ballydoyle Juveniles in Ahead on The Flat. The son of No Nay Never is a fast improving two year old and eight days after his decisive success at Naas, he won the Group 2 Richmond Stakes. Ridden by Ryan Moore for the first time, the Ballydoyle had to overcome traffic problems before quickening up smartly to lead inside the final half a furlong and then stretching away to win snugly by a length. With a clear passage, he would have won by three or four lengths and is a high-class colt. Entered in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh (9th August), that may come too soon. The Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes at York (21st August) is a possibility but he will carry a penalty. Even though he is bred to stay further, he has a sharp turn of foot and looks Group 1 Middle Park Stakes material during the Autumn. 

The eyecatcher of the day came in the opening ten furlongs three year old handicap. Harmonics won twice at Southwell and Doncaster earlier in the season before running creditably in the Golden Gates Handicap at Royal Ascot. Drawn wide in stall ten on that occasion, she got shuffled back and his chance was compromised from an early stage. Back in action here, the John & Thady Gosden trained runner was mounting his challenge inside the final furlong when tightened up. Beaten two lengths in fifth, he would have gone close with a smooth run. Rated 97, compensation awaits in a similar contest in the coming weeks - the £100,000 Sky Bet Finale Handicap over ten furlongs handicap against older horses at York's Ebor Festival (22nd August) would be ideal.