Bet of the day: Qatari Hunter to shine bright in Diamond Stakes at Dundalk

There is no denying Long Island Sound has produced decent efforts in higher calibre contests than this Group 3 affair, but the Aidan O’Brien trained Diamond Stakes market principal has never won in three outings over the trip.

When first stepping up to 1m 2f in the Group 3 Tercentenary Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, Long Island Sound finished a four-length third of nine to Hawkbill, but was never going at the same pace as the winner or runner-up Prize Money.

O’Brien then took Long Island Sound racing across the Atlantic in the USA, but he flopped when sent off the 7/2 favourite in the Belmont Derby – ending up sixth of 13 to Deauville.

Even off joint-bottom weight of 8st 7lb in the Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes at Arlington last time out, Long Island Sound could only finish second to Beach Patrol, so there is real doubt as to whether he can stay 1m 2f.

Bolger has his horses in-form

There are no such doubts about Qatari Hunter at this distance, however. Handler Bolger also has his runners in fine fettle, with four winners and as many others placed from 15 runners in the last seven days.

Tennessee Wildcat was runner-up to Qatari Hunter when the selection last competed over 1m 2f, but only 2lb has come out of the saddlebags for Ger Lyons’ gelding since. This reduction to 5lb difference in the weights is unlikely to reverse the placings.

William Haggas’ Battalion has done no better than fifth over 10f this season, with the other four Diamond Stakes runners not considered contenders. That leaves Qatari Hunter odds well worth taking to score Group 3 success.

Related

Visit our bet of the day archive to see how Coral’s tipsters are getting on.