Star Of Seville, Star Of Nassau Stakes

Saturday’s Group 1 Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood (3.10) is shaping up to be a belter, with a rematch between the Pretty Polly Stakes 1-2, Diamondsandrubies (10/3) and Legatissimo (7/4).

Legatissimo v Diamondsandrubies III

Since landing the 1,000 Guineas, Legatissimo has twice finished second, beaten by a short head in the Oaks, and then by the same margin by Diamondsandrubies at the Curragh (1m2f, good).

It may have been a different story for Legatissimo at the Curragh had he not been blocked before finishing strongly, and David Wachman will be keen for his filly to get a better run this time.

As for Legatissimo’s conqueror, Diamondsandrubies, Aidan O’Brien may claim his filly was also unlucky to finish behind Legatissimo in the Oaks when hampered before keeping on into fourth, prior to putting the record straight in the Pretty Polly.

It’s a tough one for punters to call, as Legatissimo and Diamondsandrubies do battle for the third time, with the score currently 1-1, although the money suggests it could be Legatissimo, who heads the market.

Fancied runners have also done well in the Nassau since 2005, as the following trends demonstrate…

Trends Summary

Of the last 10 Nassau winners…

10 won during their last three runs
9 returned 6/1 or shorter
9 made the top four last time
7 were British-bred
J Gosden won it three times, A O’Brien twice

Gosden Has Star Record

With the above trends showing John Gosden as a trainer to follow, then both his runners, Star Of Seville (8/1) and Jazzi Top (14/1) need respecting.

Star Of Seville is favoured of the duo, having made up for flopping the Oaks by winning the French equivalent (1m2f, good).

Saturday’s conditions should prove ideal, as she is unbeaten over 1m2f (3-3), and she shouldn’t be underestimated.

Don’t Dismiss Dubai

Also not to be underestimated is Luca Cumani’s Lady Of Dubai (6/1), a Listed winner over C&D in May (good), prior to splitting Legatissimo and Diamondsandrubies in the Oaks when third. Unseen since then, the 57-day break could have done her good, and it will be interesting to see if she can repeat that effort from Epsom.

It’s also worth noting that Aidan O’Brien also has a second string entered in Wedding Vow (8/1), who is certainly no slouch, having recorded a career best in taking a Group 2 at the Curragh this month (1m1f, yielding). Having been placed over 1m3f previously, Wedding Vow could be the “dark horse” at good odds.

Recommended Bets

All eyes will be on the third battle of the season between Diamondsandrubies and Legatissimo, but with John Gosden boasting such a good record in the race, there has to be each-way value in Star Of Seville at 8/1 – already a Group 1 winner at the trip and with Frankie Dettori booked.

*Prices correct at time of publication