Carla Bianca© Photo Healy Racing
Dundalk's feature event on Friday night has cut up to only three runners, but the Diamond Stakes still looks an intriguing contest. Carla Bianca is fitted with a first-time visor in the Group Three heat and connections will be hoping she can bounce back to winning ways.
The talented Dansili filly travellled well into contention in the Blandford Stakes last time but faded tamely at the business end in the competitive Group Two won by Ribbons.
She was far from disgraced when sixth behind Secret Gesture in the Beverly D Stakes on a trip to the US previously.
The four-year-old has already claimed Group Three success this season in the Meld Stakes and will be aiming for a third win at this level. Panama Hat drops back in trip in the 10-furlong event having raced at a mile and a half-plus this year.
Andy Oliver 's charge had arguably his finest hour when second in the American St Leger at Arlington in August.
That was over an extended one-mile-five-furlong trip, although he had winning form over 10 furlongs last season, albeit in handicap company. Unsinkable completes the field and has produced some fine performances in handicap company this term. He appears to have a bit to find with the other two on official ratings, however.
There is also a good six-furlong conditions race on the card, with plenty of group performers lining up in the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Race. Balmont Mast has looked a few pounds better on the all-weather recently and Eddie Lynam's charge bids to supplement a win at the track in August.
He beat a good field of handicappers then and looks nicely treated at the weights now, with Oisin Orr taking a valuable 7lb off his back.
There would not be much between him and old rival Russian Soul on overall form and Michael Halford's runner is an obvious danger.
The three-year-old Stroll Patrol ran really well when fourth to Moviesta in Group Three company at the Curragh in August and would be entitled to go close on that form.
The dark horse in the field is Ballydoyle runner Eisenhower who has not been seen since winning his maiden at Cork in April.
