Weather key to Express chances

Chris Wall hopes the rain does not dash his plans for Ashdown Express in the totepool Diadem Stakes on Sunday.

The Newmarket handler has reported his William Hill Sprint Cup third to be in fine fettle ahead of the Group Two contest, but expressed his concern that excessive rainfall may be detrimental to the six-year-old’s chances of success.

“At the moment he seems fine and is very much on schedule for Sunday,” said Wall.

“He had a blow-out this morning and he looked in good order so we are hopeful.

“The only thing that could work against him is the weather as I understand they are expecting a bit of rain.

“We wouldn’t want it riding anything worse than good ground though so the drier the better.”

Despite running consistently well this season, Ashdown Express recorded his first victory since October 2003 when dead-heating with Moss Vale in a Listed event at Goodwood earlier in the month.

“Although we had to share the spoils at Goodwood it was very pleasing to get our noses in front,” added Wall, who revealed Seb Sanders is likely to be riding the Ashkalani gelding at Newmarket on Sunday.

“I don’t blame the horse because he’s been superbly consistent, but it has been frustrating going so long without a win.”