Rain-softened ground could play a major role in deciding the outcome of Saturday’s (22 August) G1 City of York Stakes (1400m), with the late change to good to soft conditions set to favour some contenders while posing a fresh challenge to others.
On Thursday morning, the going was officially changed, news welcomed by the connections of Ten Bob Tony but not by those ahead of him in the market – Notable Speech, Lake Forest and Zavateri. It is also a blow for Satono Reve, the talented Japanese challenger.
During the international star’s latest European campaign, he was beaten a nose at Royal Ascot before finishing a creditable third at Newmarket. Those races were on good to firm ground and all but one of Satono Reve’s nine victories were on similar going. Another challenge is the step up to 1400m from Satono Reve’s usual 1200m distance.
Joao Moreira said: “He is not difficult to ride, but sometimes he doesn’t jump from the stalls as fast as he needs to for sprint races.” A fast start may be less important over this longer distance, and Satono Reve rarely disappoints.
Notable Speech is attempting to win his sixth Group 1 race, each over 1600m. Connections blamed defeat in his latest race on an aversion to Ascot, where he has been a well-beaten favourite on two of his three appearances. Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “He is in good form. We’ve always had an eye on going to York for the City of York Stakes and I think 1400m in a big field will suit him.”
Lake Forest, second in this race last year, won the G2 HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes (1411m) at Goodwood last month. Trainer William Haggas said: “This will be a tough race to win and he’s a horse who needs driving but he doesn’t seem to mind what the ground is.”
In a very competitive contest, Zavateri also has strong claims. Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton said: “He has come on a lot since Goodwood (he was fifth in the G1 Sussex Stakes) and I couldn’t be happier with him. It’s all systems go.”
The City of York Stakes may provide the day’s headline act, but the historic Ebor Handicap (2771m) is also a major attraction as Europe’s most valuable Flat handicap race, with a prize purse of £500,000 (approx. HK$5.3 million).
Currently leading the market is Tarriance, winner of last year’s Melrose Handicap (2771m) over this course and distance. Trainer Andrew Balding said: “That was an exceptional performance. The Ebor has very much been his aim, which is why we have given him a break to preserve his handicap mark. We think he is on a rating that makes him very competitive.”
Willie Mullins has won the Ebor three times. This year, he brings Love Me Tender and Mr Hollywood.
It is an extremely competitive race, and the softened ground may bring others, notably Emit and Spinning Wheel, into serious contention.