Diva can hit the high notes in Nassau Stakes

The progressive Mango Diva looks capable of providing trainer Sir Michael Stoute with his eighth winner of the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood today (3.15).

The filly improved throughout last season when winning three times, with the last of those successes coming in a Group 3 contest at the Curragh.

The daughter of Holy Roman Emperor showed a good attitude to beat Uleavemebreathless by a length, and looked the type who would do ever better this season.

Since than Mangio Diva has had just three starts, and after running well to finish just out of the frame on the first two of those put in a career-best performance last time out when finishing strongly to land a Group 2 contest at the Curragh over 1m 1f by by a short-head.

The step back up to 1m 2f this afternoon looks sure to suit, and with underfoot conditions ideal and Ryan Moore in the saddle, Mango Diva looks the answer to what is far from a vintage renewal of this contest.

The Aidan O’Brien trained Venus De Milo brings the best form to the table, and looks the obvious danger.

The daughter of Duke Of Marmalade developed into a smart filly last season, winning three times and finishing an excellent second to The Fugue in the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks.

The four-year-old comes into the contest on the back of a fine effort to finish runner-up to Thistle Bird in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh, but all Venus De Milo’s best form has come over 1m 4f and she may find this trip on the sharp side.

The other horse worthy of plenty of respect is French raider Narniyn.

The daughter of Dubawi has a progressive profile, and after winning a brave of Group 3 contest ran very well to finish a close-up fourth against the boys in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.
That is strong form, and her trainer Alain De Royer-Dupre doesn’t make the trip over the Channel unless he thinks his inmates stand a very good chance of landing the spoils.