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Joy for James Doyle as Diagnostic delivers

3 minute read

Diagnostic rewarded favourite-backers with a comprehensive success in the 32Red All-Weather Fillies' And Mares' Championships Conditions Stakes at Lingfield.

Diagnostic Picture: Pat Healy Photography

The William Haggas-trained grey racked up a Chelmsford hat-trick within the space of a few weeks last autumn and although she had been narrowly beaten into third on each of her two starts since the turn of the year, she was a 7-2 market leader on All-Weather Championships Finals Day.

James Doyle's mount was never too far off the pace being set by Titan Goddess and quickened up well to beat Carolinae fairly readily by a length.

Lucymai was best of the rest in third.

Doyle said: "She had a look at the screen on the way down but we eventually got there.

"I predicted a strong pace but we needed different tactics.

"Once we got out of the stalls, all options were open and she relaxed really well."

Assistant trainer Maureen Haggas said: "She just relaxed well. It was a nice, fast pace which suited her and she did nothing wrong.

"The trip suited her well but they've done a really good job at home. The guys riding her really relaxed her. She's in a much better place than the back end of last year.

"She just wanted to get on with it but she has grown up a bit now and, as you can see, she's a beautiful filly."

Chris Richardson, racing manager for Diagnostic's owners-breeders Cheveley Park Stud, said: "That was very pleasing and she's obviously benefited from going a little bit further.

"William suggested this should be her target. She had an abscess on her foot and missed a bit of work three weeks ago.

"She enjoyed the fast pace and had enough horses around her. I think she'll improve again and James said she is coming into her own now.

"The Chartwell Stakes back here might be what we look at next."

Adam McNamara steered Take The Helm to a decisive victory in the Sunbets All-Weather Championships Apprentice Handicap.

Brian Meehan's charge was an 8-1 shot and a smart start allowed him to take a handy position behind the trailblazing Swift Approval.

McNamara committed for home early, sending Take The Helm about his business rounding the home turn, and he was good value for the official winning margin of three-quarters of a length.

Reckless Endeavour finished strongly against the rail to get up and beat Gallipoli to the runner-up spot.

Meehan said: "I'm really pleased with him. He always loved coming down here and he's been a great horse over the years.

"He would have run a few times through the winter but he just had some issues to deal with.

"The one run the other day (fourth at Chelmsford) probably helped him. We'll go back on the turf with him as there are some nice handicaps over seven furlongs in the spring.

"I think we can make some nice plans with him.

"He ran in this last year and came fourth and it was always the plan to come back. It's a nice way to start the season.

"I thought Adam gave him a cracking ride and rode him with a lot of confidence. He came and rode him work last week and I was very impressed."