Dave Nevison's Friday tips: Diamond set to sparkle

Trainer Laura Morgan has only had one runner out of the first two so far in November and My Portia came back to form on her reappearance early this month. This mare Portia was beaten six lengths into second at Hereford but would definitely have been a little closer but for a mistake at the second last when still in front. The seven-year-old won a low-grade chase at Market Rasen in January under Brian Hughes – the sole time he’s been aboard - and the former champion clearly gets on well with the mare.Over her ideal trip, My Portia looks set to go well again - especially as she looks set to get an uncontested lead.

Gregor Walkingshaw is a very good rider and claims the maximum 10lb here against fellow conditionals which is a huge allowance. The jockey has finished second plenty of times, which suggests he may have to gain a little strength, but it certainly won’t be too long before he is winning races. 

Snow Dragon might well be the lightly-raced improver in this field and judging on his staying-on effort at Perth last time (under this rider) he could be very well suited by stepping up in trip now.

Snow Dragon looks a solid bet to reach the frame at least.  

Joe Tizzard has his string in excellent form at present and even horses coming back from breaks have been going very well in the main. 

The market may well be a final indicator, but there is no doubt that on his novice hurdle form Diamond Ri can be regarded as potentially very well-in now he steps in to handicap company. 

He mixed it with some useful novices when last seen, winning twice and finishing off a good second at the Cheltenham spring meeting. The first four horses from that race are all now racing off marks much higher than Diamond Ri has here and it is hard not to conclude he is favourably treated. 

Looking at his pedigree and the form of his relatives, the strong suggestion is that the step up to three miles is likely to suit him very well.