Diamond Valores scored a narrow but smart win on debut for the Snowden stable. He was ridden quietly in the early stages and settled fourth on the rails in the small five-horse field. He was blocked on turning for home and Blake Shinn eased him across heels and into clear running at the 200m. He then came with a late run to win by a short neck, going away. It was a promising effort and he is likely to progress to better things especially when stepped up in distance. Double Happy raced outside the leader (Giuliani), went to the front at the 200m and held on well for second while Burning Passion was one out and one back before moving up three deep at the home turn. He challenged at the 200m and kept battling on for a close-up third. *ANZ