One of Britain’s best race meetings of the year is about to get going. York’s Ebor Festival could arguably be thought of as more important even than Royal Ascot as we reach a key moment in the flat season.
Top-level, career-defining Group 1 races such as the Juddmonte International and the Nunthorpe Stakes are staged, while those with a huge handicap ‘end goal’ in mind go for the Ebor itself on Saturday.
Future stars are also made in races such as the Gimcrack and the Acomb for the juveniles, while the Great Voltigeur is the number one trial for the St Leger in September.
As well as all of this, several events at this meeting now act as lead-up races for the Melbourne Cup as we look at what to expect across four fantastic days of summer action.
City Of Troy the Star Attraction
Fans won’t need to wait long to see Derby winner City Of Troy in action as he headlines day one in the Juddmonte International Stakes.
Odds of around 8/11, and that’s ante-post including unlikely participants Economics and Bluestocking, are very skinny though the son of Justify may well, you know, justify them.
After landing the Dewhurst last season to become champion juvenile this colt was described by Aidan O’Brien as the best he’s trained and also “Coolmore’s Frankel”. He comes into this race as not only the Derby winner but the Eclipse victor as well, but punters should be wary.
Part of City Of Troy’s price is based on the media perpetuating the “O’Brien is a genius” line.
Ask yourself what price 2000 Guineas winner Notable Speech would have been in a suitable race at this meeting. Doubtful it would be 8/11 and shortening.
City Of Troy won a championship race, then ran like a drain, then won another championship race. In describing that you could easily be talking about Notable Speech who followed exactly the same pattern. Even more surprisingly to some, both horses are rated almost exactly the same at 123 and 122. Is Appleby a genius too?
123 is a high number and as a three-year-old City Of Troy could improve, but he’s only a few pounds ahead of most of his rivals. Course and distance winner Alflaila is on 118 and is set to improve while Calandagan likely ran to 119 at Royal Ascot and should definitely now put in a new career best.
Even Israr (John & Thady Gosden), way down there at 33/1, is likely to be able to hit the coveted 120 level soon.
Will There Be Jockey Drama on the Knavesmire?
John & Thady Gosden may not be having their very best year so far, so many found it harsh when stable jockey Kieran Shoemark was personally blamed for some big reversals.
He was replaced aboard Inspiral for last Sunday’s Prix Jacques le Marois, the filly and Ryan Moore this time unlucky in defeat owing to a tardy start.
“Hello Chris – What do you mean I’ve been kicked off Inspiral next time for Kieran Shoemark to take the ride as he could have done loads better in the Jacques le Marois”
— Jack Pollard (@crazy_jack89) August 13, 2024
It’ll be interesting to see after a public vote of confidence for Shoemark what jockey bookings are finalised by the Gosden team.
Israr is a Shadwell horse (Jim Crowley) while Audience appears to be Rab Havlin’s ride. He also happens to be owned by Cheveley Park who wanted a change of rider for Inspiral. Havlin is also the confirmed rider of Sweet William (Lonsdale Cup) and in the same race, Gregory would be ridden by James Doyle for Wathnan Racing.
Where does all this leave Shoemark, even if he is still in favour? He could ride Emily Upjohn if she turns up in the Yorkshire Oaks, though currently she’s not even the stable’s first string. Their Queen Of The Pride is owned by Qatar Racing and is therefore the mount of Oisin Murphy.
Murphy himself however could be in hot water. As part of the conditions of him returning to race riding following a ban for being over the alcohol limit, he must report for regular testing.
When due to ride and be tested on Monday at Kempton, he failed to turn up citing illness. The matter has been referred to the BHA and it remains to be seen what the fallout will be regarding York.
Big Races Providing Future Stars
Every pattern race at this meeting is a big event in its own right. Many are very valuable. A number of them however are set to offer us a great insight into what’s to come later.
Also on a glorious day one is the Group 2, £250,000 Great Voltigeur Stakes for the three-year-olds. Despite its value, this race will be seen by many as the key trial for the last Classic of the season, the St Leger on September 14. Former top Derby contender Ancient Wisdom may take his chance.
Six-furlong juvenile races the Lowther Stakes (fillies) and the Gimcrack (colts) will give us a glimpse into the future too, as will the £500,000 Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes over the same trip. Even the nursery handicap on Thursday is worth £100,000.
It’s not just the younger horses going on trial either. The Ebor Handicap itself provides a ‘Golden Ticket’ to the Melbourne Cup in November with the winner guaranteed a place at Flemington.
The Melrose Handicap is essentially an Ebor for three-year-olds and is another good Melbourne Cup trial, as is the Group 2 Lonsdale Stakes over two miles, the aforementioned Voltigeur and perhaps even the Yorkshire Oaks as Australia watches on with interest.