Shamardal’s Diamond Rain Too Good In Newbury’s Oaks Trial

[Wandering Eyes]

Godolphin's Diamond Rain (GB) (Shamardal–Dancing Rain {Ire}, by Danehill Dancer {Ire}), unraced as a juvenile, opened up with a narrow victory going just under a mile at Ascot in her May 1 debut last time and stepped forward to lay down a Classic marker in Saturday's Haras de Bouquetot Fillies' Trial S. at Newbury. The G1 Juddmonte Irish Oaks entry accepted a tow in second for most of this 10-furlong contest. Looming large in the straight, the 3-1 joint-second favourite eased to the front passing the quarter-mile marker and quickened clear under urging inside the final furlong to defeat 'TDN Rising Star' Ejaabiyah (GB) (Frankel {GB}) by an impressive 2 1/4 lengths for a career high.

“It was a slightly messy race, but it was a lovely performance,” said William Buick. “I was prepared to let her bowl along in front, but she did get a lead which was nice and she stepped up on her debut. This is more her trip I think and she's coming forward all the time. She doesn't feel like she's anywhere near the finished article yet. She's very straightforward and Charlie [Appleby] has been very pleased since Ascot. She's got a few options open for her now.”

Reflecting on the performance of runner-up Ejaabiyah, Roger Varian commented, “She ran a lovely race. She's a lovely filly who's still a bit green and she took her time to come to hand this spring. The winner looked nice and I think it was a strong little field of fillies. Our filly has shown up well, we're really pleased with her and she will improve from today.”

Diamond Rain, who becomes the 171st black-type winner for her sire, is a daughter of G1 Oaks and G1 German Oaks heroine Dancing Rain (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) and thus a half-sister to dual Group 2-winning G1 Jebel Hatta runner-up and G1 Fillies' Mile third Magic Lily (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) and stakes-winning G1 Grand Prix de Paris placegetter Jalmoud (GB) (New Approach {Ire}). Dancing Rain is a three-parts sister to Sumora (Ire) (Danehill), who is the dam of G1 Moyglare Stud S. victrix Maybe (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Maybe, in turn, produced G1 2000 Guineas and G1 Futurity Trophy hero Saxon Warrior (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and hails from the immediate family of G1 Derby-winning sire Dr Devious (Ire) (Ahonoora {GB}), G1 Irish Oaks heroine Even So (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and G3 Greenlands S.-winning sire Archway (Ire) (Thatching {Ire}).

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