York Ebor Observations

Hi there

Here are a few observations from the York Ebor meeting.

Following torrential rain during the morning, changing the ground from good to firm to good to soft, with soft patches, the opening sprint handicap was bizarrely won by established fast-ground performer Desert Law.

Dee Ex Bee was very disappointing in the Acomb Stakes. He may have found the combination of the track and rain-softened ground against him as he was beaten a long way from home. The winner Wells Farhh Go is a lovely prospect for the longer term.

Ulysses put his turn of foot to excellent use in the Juddmonte International. Barney Roy possibly had too much use made of him while Churchill again looked one paced, over a trip that is probably beyond him.

Platitude is one to keep in mind from the next.

Sir Michael Stoute’s four-year-old travelled well for a long way but then struggled to get home in the ground. He has been dropped a pound, from 104 to 103, despite the promise of this run and I suggest you keep him in mind for a similar race back on good ground. The ground came right here for the winner Magic Circle.

Coronet did steady late work behind Enable in the Yorkshire Oaks. This should put her spot on for the St Leger if that is the way connections want to go with her.

Aljezeera caught the eye in the Galtres Stakes, looking in trouble when outpaced turning for home before staying on strongly when the race was over. She now looks primed for an autumn campaign, perhaps over further than a mile and a half.

The ground was still too soft for Appeared in the opening 1m 4f handicap on Thursday. A 1lb drop, from 104 to 103, will help him when he is back racing on quicker ground. Keep him on your side.

Dal Harraild’s defeat in the Lonsdale Cup can be attributed more to the easy ground than lack of stamina on this first attempt at two miles. He will have other days.

Talaayeb, my selection on the Online Preview, proved that seven furlongs is her trip when landing the City Of York Stakes. Given her fine fourth in the 1,000 Guineas she was well treated by the terms of this race.

Marsha was another winner for us in the Nunthorpe Stakes, just getting up on the line to pip Lady Aurelia.

Staxton shaped quite well in the Gimcrack Stakes, doing steady late work after dwelling at the gate. He is one to stay with, especially when stepped up to seven furlongs.

Bye for now

Marten