Investec Diomed Stakes 2011

2.40 Epsom

Investec Diomed Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1)  (3YO plus)

Winner £28,385

Pick: Premio Loco (win)

Rio De La Plata: Looked like a potentially immense horse when landing National and Prix Jean Luc Stakes as a 2 year old, before injury curtailed plans; Firdt successful season since when landing 4 out of his eight races last year, the highlight of which was an Italian Group 1 double after his Prix Du Moulin second; Class act of field but never won on seasonal reappearance and giving away 7lbs all round will make life difficult.

Awazaan: Was 4 – 4 as a 2 year old and maintained unbeaten record in good style when winning the Middle Park; has not lived up to that high promise over further since, although he still retains some ability; Didn’t get a good trip when third in Conditions event at York but this far harder and doesn’t seem like concrete stayer of a mile.

Fannulter: Won twice at Listed level, one on AW last season and bettered that form when third in Zabeel Mile in UAE earlier this year; That form fives him realistic shout but hold up performer who is likely to need a strong gallop to be seen at his best.

Mac Love: Won this in 2009 (one of his best seasons ever, where he took two other Group 3’s) but not reached that level since then and well beaten on all runs this season.

Naationalism: Rapid improver with racing last season, winning both maiden and 9f Goodwood handicap(soft) but disappointed upped in class when nowhere in Cambridgeshire and unable to hack it at Listed level afterwards (blinkered).

Premio Loco: Revelation last year, taking form to new levels when winning Criterion Stakes (ahead of Fannulter and Summer Mile (also third in Sussex, much better form); Turned in a great effort when third to Canford Cliffs in the Lockinge last time out and the one to beat based on that.

St Moritz: Has really improved for new yard, winning twice at Listed level (form of both wins have been boosted since) and impressive when defying big weight in highly-competitive 1m York handicap last month; This asks more of him but can give it a good shot.

Vesuve: Won twice up to 11f in France for Elie Lellouche and while he has two wins to his name for Godolphin (one Listed), feeling is he’s yet to reach that level of form for this yard; Can be involved if showing his best but does need more and might improve for the run.

VERDICT: Rio De La Plata is the class act but it’s likely he’ll improve for the run and he has to give away 7lbs all round. One of those most well placed to take advantage is PREMIO LOCO, who was third in the Lockinge and has the ground to suit, while St Moritz’s versatility may see him close.