6th-GP, $38,000, Msw, 2-15, 3yo, 6f, 1:12.20, ft.
DIAMOND JIM (c, 3, Gemologist–Gregoriana, by Ascot Knight), a well-beaten sixth after a troubled trip in the same Jan. 4 maiden which produced 'TDN Rising Star' Malagacy (Shackleford), was sent off at 3-1 in this second outing. The dark bay colt went quickly to the lead, setting fractions of :22.36 and :46.00 with heavily favored Switzerland (Speightstown) tracking him just to his outside. Switzerland pulled up on even terms turning for home, but Diamond Jim repelled his challenge while appearing to drift out repeatedly despite right-handed reminders from John Velazquez. Diamond Jim was inching clear late to score by 3/4 lengths while his head was cocked to the left. Gregoriana produced a filly by Twirling Candy in 2016 and was bred back to New Year's Day. Sales history: $22,000 RNA Ylg '15 KEESEP; $120,000 2yo '16 EASMAY. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $23,180.
O-Three Diamonds Farm; B-Grangemore (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher.
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