The G1 King Charles III S. at Royal Ascot is likely to be next port of call for Diligent Harry (GB) (Due Diligence) following his third-place finish in last week's G2 Duke Of York S. on the Knavesmire, an effort trainer Clive Cox described as “a career best”.
The six-year-old Diligent Harry won a pair of Listed races on the all-weather earlier this year before travelling to Dubai where he ran a huge race when finishing a close-up third in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup night. Back on home soil last week, he again performed with credit in filling the same position, passing the post just a nose and a neck behind the winner, Mill Stream (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}).
Now all roads lead to Royal Ascot and a drop back to the minimum trip on the opening day of the meeting as Diligent Harry seeks a deserved Group-race success following a series of near-misses.
“He was so near and yet so far and didn't do a whole lot wrong,” Cox said of Diligent Harry's run at York. “It was probably a career best really and I'm pleased to say he has come out of the race really well.
“We are very much looking forward to the King Charles III at Royal Ascot and that would be our preferred trip on a stiffer track at Ascot. He's very versatile and I'm so proud he's holding his form so well at the highest level. I think it was his best effort yet at York and we're looking forward to Ascot.”
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