The Diana – Grade I
1 1/8 Mile Turf Stake Purse $500.000 Filly & Mare 3 Year Olds And Up.

Half the field was three year olds and they filled three of the first four places which makes Maggie Greene’s performance all the better. But the message is pretty clear which is hardly surprising as its been like this for a good few years now. Here’s how the top four did it.

1st Na Pali Smokey Stover Bejarano R

It was great to see this champion juvenile get back to her best today although a quick glance at her form figures does expose the fragility of HRP form. She picked up a lovely spot in transit and used the weight advantage to comfortably hold off her older challenger. Her trainer removed the blinkers today and she seemed to see out the trip much better than she did in the Regret last time and although thats probably not the effect blinkers would normally have it really can be the only difference. So back in form and the right age she must now stride onto the BC looking for her second festival win as a pretty strong chance.

2nd Maggie Greene The Sidley Stud Colon L H

She ran this 9 furlongs out really well considering she may be better over a furlong or two longer. The best of the older horses this is her first try at the younger generation and she did really well to get so close. She will be around come the BC and may be the best hope of the 4+ fillies and mares to split the youngsters up.

3rd Trippi Tip Toe Estero Farms Maldonado E

Got right up on the speed and as tends to happen she didnt last home but she ran really well to be third beaten just a length. She is a real nice sort and should take some good purses as the months roll on with the three year old weight allowance on her side she just has to avoid Na Pali who seems to have her measure.

4th Emotionless Team 7 Illusions Prado E S

It wouldnt be a stakes race without a Cherokee Sunset in the top four and this consistent filly just made it in coming from a little way back. She is definitely improving and i would expect to see her taking a graded stakes before long.

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES