Wexford 5:57 Verdict

Clody Diamond holds the best official rating in the field (105) alongside Forceonmyown (106), but has shown more consistent placed form (2nd, 5th, 4th, 7th) against likely stronger maiden company than the market leader. Trained by Paul Nolan, a yard that targets these small maiden hurdle prizes well, and with Richard Deegan booked - a strong jockey - this suggests genuine stable confidence. The application of headgear (hood) is a sensible tweak that may sharpen her up. She was placed second last time she ran over an official 2m5f+ trip, suggesting she stays this 3m trip well, and her rating suggests she is capable of running to a competitive level in this maiden. Forceonmyown, while similarly rated, has a inconsistent form figure (3-4-5-8-0) with a rating of 106 but her recent form line ending in a fold (0) is a concern, and she's had a break of 26 days. Given the presence of unraced/lightly raced types like Thornbury Queen and Burning Like Fire who are unknown quantities, and other more moderate form horses, Clody Diamond's proven placed form at a competitive level, combined with a positive equipment change and strong connections, gives her the clearest form-based case to defy the market and win. She looks the most solid, rounded contender in a race with plenty of unexposed or moderate types.