RIFF TO BLAST PAST BAAEED
Gosden’s star can steal York show
MISHRIFF (3.35) is fancied to burst the bubble of the unbeaten Baaeed in a mouth-watering Juddmonte International on day one of the York Ebor meeting.
John Gosden’s globetrotting star produced a remarkable performance in this race last year when he trounced his rivals by six lengths.
That came after creditable efforts in the Eclipse and the King George, and the five-year-old has trodden a similar path this season.
He was just touched off by Vadeni at Sandown before running well after a disastrous start in Ascot’s summer showpiece behind Pyledriver.
William Haggas’ brilliant miler
Baaeed has won nine from nine and is attempting the longer trip for the first time today.
If he stays he will probably win but if there is the slightest chink in his stamina then Mishriff will take advantage of it.
His odds (4-9) hold no appeal.
The 1m2f on the
Knavesmire is clearly an ideal set-up for Mishriff and I fancy him to out-stay
Baaeed. His odds of 4-1 are a fair bet.
There are other players trying to grab the £567,000 winning pot.
Native Trail won the Irish 2,000 Guineas and ran well in the Eclipse. He will carry plenty of stable confidence.
Rain
Sir Busker would have an each-way squeak if he gets rain, while in a race that has a history of shock results, High Definition and Double Honour — both 50-1 shots — cannot be safely discounted.
A belter of a handicap kicks off the four-day Ebor Festival and a chance is taken on SIGNIFICANTLY (1.50) to spring a surprise. He is a very fast horse but a tricky ride. He has not been sighted since early June.
However, if Karl Burke has got him back to his best he is well treated and the track will suit. A drop of rain will also help the four-year-old and at 25-1 he is a fair each-way chance.
Dakota Gold (8-1) and Copper Knight (16-1) are both six-time winners at York and hold each-way appeal, while Gis A Sub (33-1) is another who could pinch a place. Atalis Bay is a major player as he has dropped to a winnable rating.
LOCAL DYNASTY (2.25) made a big impression when making a winning debut and is the marginal choice in a race full of quality.
The son of Dubawi, trained by Charlie Appleby, got loose before his Newmarket bow but it did not affect him as he powered clear to win easily.
All nine horses in this race have won a race, including Oviedo who was very impressive in the way he travelled on his Doncaster bow.
Shaquille also made a victorious first start on the Knavesmire. Mill stream has done very little wrong and after a winning debut at Doncaster he got within half a length of the talented Noble Style at Newmarket.
Handy
Chaldean, Hectic and Indestructible all look lovely types and this is certainly a race to watch with a notebook in hand.
SECRET STATE (3.00) is thrust into Group Two company after winning handicaps at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood.
He is already fairly handy in the St Leger betting and victory today could cement his place at Doncaster.
Stablemate Walk Of Stars, who is not an easy ride, floundered at Epsom in the Derby, before running well at Newmarket last time.
He should relish the long home straight, while El Bodegon would want the heavens to open to have a serious chance.
Deauville Legend is improving, consistent and could be the main danger, while Aikhal won well at the Curragh and cannot be discounted to come good for top trainer Aidan O’Brien.