OFFICER PRIMED FOR CUP
Flying Officer is likely to be a short price for the Betway Yorkshire Cup but he can justify his cramped odds with victory in the feature event on the final day of action at York tomorrow.
John Gosden’s six-yearold suffered defeat at the hands of Mizzou on his seasonal return in the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot last month, finishing third behind Mizzou with the reopposing Clever Cookie in second.
However, that rival had had the benefit of a previous run and was in receipt of 5lb, so Flying Officer deserves all the more credit as he finished only half a length adrift.
It is even easier to make a case for the reversal of that form when you consider the last time the pair met off level weight son Champion Days at As cot last October, Flying Officer emerged a length to the good with the minimum of fuss.
His Group Two win that day was his third win on the bounce and marked him as a stayer of real potential, a view reflected his current rating of 115.
Flying Officer has 3lb to find on the official figures with Second Step but has the benefit of a run under his belt and will certainly enjoy this two-mile trip.
Twizzell made quite an impression when winning at Beverley last week and it is interesting to see her make a swift step up to Listed class for Ann Duffield in the Langleys Solicitors EBF Marygate Fillies’ Stakes.
She easily accounted for her Westwood rivals by four and a half lengths, making virtually all before staying on strongly on the stiff five-furlong track.
Duffield has made no secret of the fact she holds the Equiano filly in high regard and she can surprise rivals from a few higher profile stables here.
All eyes will be on Gosden’s Cunco as he becomes the first of Frankel’s progeny to set foot on the track in the second division of the Welcome To The Starlight Raceday Maiden Stakes.
Out of dual Group Three winner Chrysanthemum, Cunco was led out of the ring unsold for 280,000 guineas at Tattersalls last October and while Gosden has hardly been shouting from the rooftops about the colt, it would be a surprise if he is not in the mix.
Francisco can make a triumphant return from a long lay off in the Starlight Handicap.
Shakopee is another returning from a spell on the sidelines in the Ed mo nd son Hall Solicitors& Sports Lawyers Handicap at Newmarket.