Last year’s plan to head to the Knavesmire for Nunthorpe Day ended up going down the pan due to the rail strikes but thankfully no such issues this time around as your intrepid and somewhat average reporter headed from Red Rose territory to the White Rose one over the border courtesy of TransPennine Express who for once had their trains running very nearly to time!
It’s the time in the flat season when the festivals head up north for the next few weeks after the peak summer of domination from the south, last week was York and now upcoming in a fortnight, It’s the Sprint Cup at Haydock followed by the St Leger Festival at Doncaster before the circus heads up to the West Coast of Scotland for the Ayr Gold Cup and its various metallic consolation races but for today it was York.
The afternoon had a real buzz about the place and a mix of the future and the current slowly going into becoming things of the past.
Paul Hanagan exited the stage with a nice send off from his fellow weighing room compatriots as he hung up his saddle to become a pipe and slippers man while the never ending Frankie Dettori retirement roadshow was also in situ in what seems to be lasting longer than his actual career in the saddle!
On the track though the course had three group races along with some tricky and fiendish as ever York handicaps plus the Convivial Maiden, the richest maiden race in the country.
All eyes were on the Nunthorpe at 3.30pm, the 5f Group 1 had plenty of potential storylines in it and the bookmakers avoided a potential monster payout from short priced favourite Highfield Princess in the name of 28-1 shot Live In The Dream who got a flyer out of the gates, built up some early speed and managed to hang tough out in front for new kid on the block jockey Sean Kirrane and Epsom based trainer Adam West with the pair of them definitely feeling like Batman and Robin as they landed their maiden Group One’s in style.
This was a “Win And You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita and after a summer where it’s largely rained aside from the occasional tea break, connections will definitely be showing up at Heathrow for some Californian sunshine.
It wasn’t just the sprinters who had centre stage because the stayers did too as Coltrane, the winner of the Lockdown Melrose in 2020 landed the Group 2 Lonsdale over 2m, he deserved his win after some gallant placed efforts at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood, it could be that northern festivals are his thing and he’ll look to head up to the next stop northbound on the East Coast Mainline, Doncaster and try to regain the Doncaster Cup before being aimed at the Long Distance Cup at Ascot on Champions Day.
Some people will do anything for a free meal and while it did cost owners, Silver Racing, a few quid to enter the Gimcrack, the owners will be returning in mid December for the annual Gimcrack Dinner to give the speech about horse racing, fair to say that it could be an interesting one this year, after Lake Forest got the better of Johnannes Brahms in the feature 2yo race of the meeting.
For William Haggas who trained the winner this was another big win at his beloved York, he could make into a decent sprinter next term, but we all know anything can happen during the winter months, a crack at the Middle Park would probably be the most logical option after this.
Elsewhere, Battle Cry dug in deep for Ryan Moore to give Aidan O’Brien success in the Convivial Maiden, still a bit green he looks to be going the right way and has plenty big race entries while in the 1m2f handicap for filles, a popular S Club 7 song, I’m sure you know which one, was belted over the speakers as Reach have Mick Easterby a welcome York winner under granddaughter Joanna Mason.
Now though let’s take a look at three horses to take out from Friday’s racing.
1 – Intinso – 3yo Grey Colt – Trainers : John and Thady Gosden.
This young horse is still lightly raced and was only making his fifth career start in the opening 1m 4f handicap where he finished 6th, just over four lengths behind the winner but he was staying on a bit and gives the impression he would relish a staying trip a lot more so could be worth stepping him up to 1m6f.
He can be a bit keen and being a colt he could do a bit better if he loses a couple of things after a trip to the vets just to help him settle a bit more.
2 – Johannes Brahms – 2yo Bay Colt – Trainer : Aidan O’Brien
Only beaten a length in the Gimcrack he came here a fairly fresh horse after chasing home Big Evs at Royal Ascot, he’s still learning his trade in pattern company but does hold as you’d expect some entries in the big 2yo races in the autumn.
He’s definitely got more to offer providing he trains on as a 3yo which he gives the impression that he most certainly will.
3 – Sisyphean – 2yo Bay Colt – Trainer : Kevin Ryan.
The most valuable maiden in the British calendar found itself heading over to Ballydoyle but in behind the nice winner, Battle Cry their was some notable eye catchers in what looked a nice renewal.
One who caught my attentions was Sisyphean who was a bit green early one but things began to click up the straight and was only beaten just over two lenghts back in fifth spot, he will definitely learn from this and should pick up a race before too long.
As always a nice day on the Knavesmire, after a few weeks off the track it was good to be back as a busy September approaches, in that month things begin with the Group One Sprint Cup at my local, Haydock, sponsored by a well known betting exchange which top and tails my race going and in the middle of it I will be off to break my maiden tag at Great Yarmouth racecourse, which I’m very much looking forward to visiting and will enjoy writing about that.
And just like that we are at York’s Ebor meeting, with the Arc in Paris just a few weeks away & the Guineas seems like a distant memory!
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York Race Course
Wednesday – Going : Good/Good to Firm in places
Jamie –
2:25 – Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (G3)
Selection: Ballymount Boy
A small field of six for this Group 3 with £93,572 going to the winner. You could give a chance to all six runners, although it is Ballymount Boy who brings in the best form courtesy of his Glorious Goodwood second last time out. That second came in the Richmond Stakes and the form has been given a very polished look by the winner Vandeek who went on to win a hot looking Prix Morny last Sunday across the channel. With three runs under his belt Ballymount Boy has the most experience in the field and possesses a likeable genuine, professional attitude. This is the quickest conditions the son of Camacho will have faced to date but if he handles it then he has every chance. 9/4 available in places… I believe Edwardian is the main danger stepping up in trip. Neil will tell you more. – 2ND( 11/4SP)
4:10 – Sky Bet Stayers Handicap
Selection: Robert Johnson
I am going to give RobertJohnson the nod in this competitive handicap for the stayers over 2m 1/2f. My selection has been in fine form this campaign, starting off at Newcastle In February with a rating of 55 and now running today off 83 having gone up 4lbs for a remarkable effort at Glorious Goodwood last time out. Having been very late in arriving at the course and having had time for just a quick trot around the parade ring. It was a cracking run to finish second over the marathon 2m 4f trip considering his pre-race drama. If you go back two runs Robert Johnson scored comfortably over today’s course and distance to further add to his case. With quick ground holding no fears I am confident of another bold bid from this improving 5yo. Solent Gateway won on quick ground earlier this campaign and may be the each way value. – 12TH
Rich –
5.20 Nursery – Class 2 – 2yo Only – 6f…. Ziggy’s Queen – Invincible Spirit X Iron Lady 2yo filly. 3 runs all over 5f & 3 places. Her last run on July 7th, she finished a shorthead 2nd in a 5f Class 4 Novice Stakes at Beverley to Rocket Money, who has since won again. Up in trip. – EACH WAY -(8TH)
Watty –
York, 2.25, Tattersalls Acomb Stakes, 7f, G3, 2yo
A brilliant four days of racing lies ahead at the best summer flat festival of them all, I’ll be there on Friday for the Nunthorpe which forms part of a stellar line up so what better way to ease into it than with a couple of suggestions for the opening day.
The first 2yo race of the meeting comes in the form of the Acomb and while only six go to post it’s a reasonable looking enough contest although probably not a spectacular one.
All eyes will be on the home front with Ballymount Boy, a winner on his second start at Hamilton he then put in a cracking effort at Goodwood where he was second in the Richmond Stakes over 6f behind Vandeek who landed the Prix Morny on Sunday, he is just showing as the favourite but I’m going to take him on with the Aidan O’Brien trained EDWARDIAN.
He’s going up markedly in trip from 5f to 7f but broke his maiden tag at Naas last month and looked like the extra trip will suit, this is a big week as you’d expect for the Ballydoyle master and a win in this race would certainly settle a few nerves. – 6TH
York, 4.10, Stayers Handicap, 2m, 3yo+
On paper a tricky looking race taking in one full circuit of the Knavesmire with three horses coming over from Ireland and personally i can see the race being taken back over to the Emerald Isle.
Surprisingly the master trainer that is Willie Mullins doesn’t have one in this but I’m expecting his old rival Gordon Elliott to be the one standing in the winners circle with the 7yo TRONADOR.
The booking of Joe Fanning catches the eye here and he’s been making hay of late, after his sesonal pipe opener at Leopardstown over slightly shorter he then landed a race at Limerick over 2m1f before a gallant third over hurdles at Bellewstown.
After that he reverted back to the flat when third at Goodwood over 2m4f, the track probably didn’t help him but at York he can get into a nice rhythm and should give a good account of himself. – 9TH
Thursday – Going : Good to Firm, Good in Places
Jamie –
1:50 – Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (G3)
Selection: Relief Rally
This is always one of my favourite races of the Ebor meeting and this year’s renewal features my nap of the week. William Haggas has bagged this G2 prize twice before and holds a strong chance today with Relief Rally. The daughter of Kodiac is a Filly I really like going forward and has done precious little wrong in four career starts to date. Having opened her account nicely on debut at Windsor, Relief Rally made it 2/2 in a winner’s race at Salisbury. After that she made the journey to Royal Ascot for the Queen Mary. I backed her that day only to be agonisingly denied by a nose as she flew home from midfield. Thankfully I kept the faith last time out at Newbury as she showed a beautiful turn of foot to win the Super Sprint, comfortably on top at the line by a few lengths. Today, the fast ground and step up in trip will suit her perfectly and the Haggas team seem very happy with her preparation. Every chance in what looks a good edition of this race. – WINNER 2/1 SP
3:35 – Darley Yorkshire Oaks (G1)
Selection: Savethelastdance
This looks a top quality and open renewal of this top level contest. I think the 3yo weight allowance could prove to be the difference here and Savethelastdance is one of the toughest Fillies in training, so I’m going to give her the nod today. Savethelastdance really entered the scene at Chester’s May meeting when taking the Cheshire Oaks by a huge margin, displaying a powerful gallop all the way to the line. It was much firmer ground at Epsom next around and whilst I was disappointed to see her beaten into second by Soul Sister I thought she performed with great credit, sticking to the task well. It was a remarkable effort last time out in the Irish Oaks when she looked beat halfway up the home straight only to find a gear and keep on strongly enough to get back up to beat the reposing Bluestocking. This Filly won’t be beaten for guts and I don’t envisage a return to fast ground being too much of a worry as she appeared to handle it at Epsom alright. The faster they go up front, the better for the chances of Savethelastdance. AlHusn is the big danger. – 3RD
Rich –
2.25 Premier Yearling Stakes – Class 2 – 2yo Only – 6f… Stanley Spencer – Iffraaj X Marsh Hawk colt 3 runs, 2 over 5f with the colt finishing 4th on both starts. Upped to 6f on his last run on the All Weather at Wolves on August 14th in a Class 5 Novice Stakes, finishing a 1 & 3/4 length 3rd. He is an OUTSIDER with a place chance, with some bookies paying 6 places – EACH WAY – Last
3.00 Handicap – Class 2 – 3yo+ – 7f 192yds…. The Gatekeeper – Excelebration X Cherry Creek 4yo gelding Last won in May at Newmarket over 7f in a Class 2 Handicap by 1 length from a mark of 91. He has run 6 times since, placing on 4 of those runs & was only beaten 1/2 a length in the Class 2 Golden Mile Handicap at Goodwood on August 2nd by Johan. He ran from a mark of 92 that day & runs from the same mark today – EACH WAY– 10th
Friday – Good to firm, Good in Places
Jamie –
2:25 – Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup (G1)
Selection: Courage Mon Ami
It will be interesting to see who goes off favourite between Courage Mon Ami and Coltrane with not a lot appearing to separate the two. Back on a firmer surface today I think Courage Mon Ami can find more improvement to hold off the challenge of Coltrane & Quickthorn to name a few. Things didn’t pan out for the Ascot Gold Cup winner at Goodwood with the good to soft ground not suiting and Quickthorn making it quite an unconventional race. He eventually plugged on to be sixth, not far behind the main group from second onwards. There is surely more to come from Courage Mon Ami having had only the five races to date and he will relish conditions today. The Gosden’s horses have been running well this week. They can’t give Quickthorn and Tom Marquand too much rope though or a repeat of Goodwood is on the cards. – 2ND
3:35 – Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (G1)
Selection: Dramatised
The annual burn up down the 5f straight at York and boy, this is going to be quick! Highfield Princess will take all the beating and I expect her to retain her title, so I’m on the lookout for some each way angles. The lightly raced Dramatised is the type of horse who could outrun her odds of 11s or bigger, I’m going to take a chance on her today. This 3yo daughter of Showcasing has run some huge races including a narrow third in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint last November. Karl Burke’s charge started off her 2023 campaign in good style winning the G2 Temple at Haydock, beating Equilateral who won a big handicap here on Wednesday. Things went wrong last time out in the King’s Stand where Dramatised raced up the unpreferred middle of the course and was out of the thick of the action, that run is best watched. Freshened up and raring to go, she will love this quick ground and if getting a good posy I can see her running a huge race. – 13TH
*Each way advised*
Rich –
3.00 Gimcrack Stakes – Group 2 – 2yo Only – 6f…. Kylian – Invincible X Hikmaa colt. 2 wins from 5 runs, all runs over 5f. Winner of the 5f Dragon Listed Stakes at Sandown on July 7th. Last run at Goodwood, finishing 1 & 1/2 length 3rd to Big Evs in the 5f Group 3 Molcomb Stakes on August 2nd. Up in trip… – 6TH
5.15 Mile Handicap – Class 2 – 2yo Only – 7f 192yds English Oak – Wootton Bassett X Forest Crown colt. 1 win from 3 starts, that was in a 1m Class 5 Novice Stakes on July 5th at Thirsk, which was his 2nd start. Last run at Newmarket in a 1m Class 4 Novice Stakes, finishing a 1 & 1/2 length 3rd to Jeff Koons, 2nd & 4th have both since won… – 8TH
Saturday – Good
With 1 winner all week, we can say it’s not been great but if we know anything about comeback’s then watch this space!
Jamie –
2:40 – Celebration Mile Stakes (G2)
Selection: Charyn
This is an interesting little Group two heat with all the main form centered on the Glorious Goodwood meeting a few weeks ago. Epictetus won the Thoroughbred Stakes over C&D whilst Charyn & Aldaary ran behind Paddington in the Sussex. This represents a drop in grade for Charyn who has run in five straight top level races, including behind Paddington in the Irish Guineas, St James Palace and last time out here in the Sussex as mentioned. He wasn’t beaten all that far on those occasions, around four lengths at the Curragh & Goodwood. A repeat of that Sussex Stakes performance would see him right in the mix and connections wouldn’t mind if the forecast rain does arrive. I like him today in calmer waters with proven form with cut in the ground having won a G2 in France last year on soft. Epictetus is the biggest danger for me having shown he handles the course.
3:35 – Ebor Handicap
Selection: HMS President
The Ebor, Yorkshire’s greatest race has attracted a field of 21 runners vying for the £300,000 first prize. There are so many you could give a chance to and at the prices I am tempted by HMS President, who has been in great form in three starts this season. Rossa Ryan once again teams up with Alan King’s 6yo who put up a game display last time out when a narrow second to Okita Soushi in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at the royal meeting. The form has been boosted by the third home Live Your Dream (who also runs in this) winning a big Newmarket handicap next time out. That performance confirmed the promise of HMS President’s Newmarket success on Guineas weekend when getting up on the line to win a 1m 6f handicap on soft ground, showcasing his stamina for today’s assignment. I think he has all the tools to run a big one today as he’s only gone up a pound for that Ascot run. He’s a solid each way play in my opinion.
*Each way advised*
Rich –
4.10 Handicap – Class 2 – 3yo+ – 6f… The Green Man – Acclamation X Lydia Becker 4yo gelding 6 turf runs this season, with 2 wins & 2 3rd place finishes. He won over C&D in a Class 4 Handicap in June & then finished 3rd in his next 2 starts, including on his last start, over C&D in this Class by 1 & 1/2 lengths to Aberama Gold on July 29th, who along with the 2nd that day, have both won since – EACH WAY
5.20 Handicap – Class 2 – 3yo+ – 1m 2f 56yds… Box To Box – Kodiac X Alyaafel 4yo gelding. 4 runs since May, with 1 win & 2 runner up spots. He won at Chester in June over 1m 2f 70yds in a Class 4 Handicap & his last run was over C&D in this class on July 28th, when finishing a 3 length 2nd to Spirit Dancer, who has won again since – EACH WAY
WE have Group 1 action in Ireland at The Curragh on Saturday & Group 1 action in France at Deauville on Sunday, we have both meeting’s covered!
Jamie has The Curragh on Saturday…
2:15 – Fillies Juvenile Race (2yo)
Selection: Serious Notions
13 Fillies head to post for this winner’s race over 7f. The market suggests that this is between the top two in the market, OperaSinger & A Lilac Rolla. While many shrewd punters will agree I think at a bigger price SeriousNotions could provide some value. A once raced Filly by Advertise, Serious Notions showed plenty of promise and guts on her debut at Leopardstown when a narrow runner up to Buttons, who could be a group class Filly in the future. She will come on for that run and I don’t think any cut in the ground would concern her too much as her sire Advertise did handle good to soft going. I think Serious Notions is capable of better and at 7/1 could be the each way angle in this contest. – UNPLACED
4:40 – Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (G1)
Selection: Unquestionable
There are a few questions that will be answered in this competitive 2yo Group 1 over 6f. How will the filly Porta Fortuna fare against the boys? Can Bucanero Fuerte confirm his Railway Stakes superiority? For me, however, I think Unquestionable will be the answer today. This son of the mighty Wootton Bassett just went down fighting by a short head last time out to the aforementioned Bucanero Fuerte in the Railway Stakes over C&D. There is little to choose between them both and I don’t think there will be a lot in it today. Unqestionable is drawn better on this occasion and with the Ballydoyle record in this race it is hard to ignore his claims under Ryan Moore. As we know, Aidan O’Brien can keep eeking out that improvement with his two year olds from run to run. Porta Fortuna is the main danger in my opinion with the 3lb Fillies allowance bringing her right into the picture. It’s a fascinating little contest.
Rich is covering Deauville on Sunday…
Deauville – Soft
1.33 Prix Minerve Stakes – Group 3 – 3yo Only – 1m 4f 94yds… Tasmania – Australia X Tusked Wings Filly 2 wins from 3 starts in 2023, with both wins over 1m 2f at Saint-Cloud in April & Chantilly in May. Her last run was on June 18th, when finishing a 4 length 2nd to Blue Rose Cen in the Group 1 Prix de Diane. Up in trip… The DANGER could be British raider : Crack of Light -Kingsman X Dawn Horizons filly. She has 1 win from 4 starts in 2023, the win came in a 1m 4f Listed Stakes at Longchamp by a neck in June & finished a 2 & 1/2 length runner up in the Prix de Mallert in July, when odds on favourite…
3.26 Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jaques le Marrois – Group 1 – 3yo+ – 1m…. This race looks a cracker, with Triple Time (Queen Anne G1 winner), Inspriral (Last years winner) & Big Rock ( 2nd in Prix du Jockey Club) plus the French Guineas winner… Big Rock – Rock of Gibraltar X Hardiyna 3yo colt. Was 4 from 4 since February 2023, when he landed a pair of Group 3 1m 1f races, Prix La Force at Longchamp & Prix de Guiche at Chantilly before stepping up in trip in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club in June, finishing a 3 & 1/2 length 2nd to Ace Impact & the form of that race has yielded a Group 1 winner ( Feed the Flame) & Group 3 winner (Epictetus).. At a BIGGER price & EACH WAY value – Marhaba Ya Sanafi – Muhaarar X Danega 3yo colt. The French Guineas winner finished a 6 length 3rd to Ace Impact, when he stepped up in trip in the Prix de Jockey Club. He now drops back to 1m, where he is 3 wins & a 2nd from 4 starts over the distance..
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