G3 second for Highland Avenue in Diomed Stakes

Highland Avenue produced another solid performance at G3 level as he filled the runner-up spot in the Diomed Stakes on Derby Day at Epsom Downs, Saturday, 3 June.  

The Charlie Appleby-trained five-year-old, third behind Adayar on his first start for 14 months in last month’s G3 Gordon Richards Stakes, soon tracked Marie’s Diamond in second of the six runners.  

After travelling strongly into the race for William Buick in the straight, Highland Avenue took up the running over two furlongs out and rallied as Kolsai pressed for the lead passing the furlong-pole.  

Highland Avenue continued to repel Kosai but was headed inside the final half-furlong by Regal Reality, who swooped late to score by three-quarters of a length.

Charlie Appleby said: “Highland Avenue has run a solid race again. We were dropping back to an extended mile today and he might appreciate going back up to 10 furlongs, which is probably his best trip these days.”