Ground concern for Damson

Ground conditions on the Knavesmire tomorrow are a concern for ante-post favourite Damson ahead of the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot at York.

The David Wachman-trained filly is no stranger to success at the showpiece meeting as she was a hugely impressive winner of the Queen Mary 12 months ago on very fast ground.

She has been restricted to just one run this season and ran an eyecatching race to be ninth, beaten just two lengths, in the Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh.

Kieren Fallon has elected to ride her in preference to Newmarket Guineas heroine Virginia Waters, but recent rain at York has left the ground loose on top although the official going remains good to firm.

“It (the ground) won’t be ideal. I’d say the good to firm description of the ground is correct. It’s just that the top inch or so has been knocked off and they are not getting purchase on the ground,” Wachman said today.

“There’s nothing that can be done on it, it’s just the way it is.

“So that’s not ideal as she likes to be able to grab the ground a bit better than that but we’ll give it a go.

“I’ve been happy enough with her but the ground would be a slight concern.”