led, headed 3rd, weakened from 8th, soon behind
mid-division when brought down 6th
towards rear, weakened 8th, behind when pulled up before final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden from 9th, stayed on but not reach leaders
tracked leaders, led 3rd, ridden when headed after 4 out, weakened 2 out
always prominent, ridden 4 out, led 3 out, challenged final furlong, ran on well
mid-division to rear, steady headway from 8th, ridden and every chance inside final furlong, no extra
in touch, headway 8th, ridden and weakened 3 out
in rear, ridden along when hampered 6th, never a danger
tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner 3 out, soon weakened
held up towards rear and brought down 6th
Diamond Joshua could prove best of a poor bunch here, with Red Dahlia and Colonial Sunset put forward as the main dangers. This six-year-old hasn't been successful for some time but has put up some decent performances in this grade recently. The best of which was a five length second to Easy Squeezy, form that should be good enough in this contest. Colonial Sunset reverts to hurdling after being well beaten in novice chases last season. This may be what he needs to rekindle his enthusiasm and should be watched closely in the betting. Down at the bottom of the handicap Red Dahlia hails from a top yard and has shown bits and pieces of form, enough to be in with a shout here. So a bit of a tough race to call, but Diamond Joshua does hold strong claims and gets the verdict.