York boasts an exciting under-card in addition to the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes on Friday, including the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup and the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes.
The Karl Burke-trained Kylian heads the current market for the 6f Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes (3:00), despite a defeat in the Group 3 Molecombe Stakes behind Big Evs, who will run in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes on the same card. He appeared to get caught for speed at Glorious Goodwood and stayed on in the closing stages to finish one-and-a-half lengths back in third. It will be the juvenile's first attempt over six furlongs but breeding would suggest he may find further improvement for the additional distance – the colt is by Invincible Spirit and out of a seven-furlong Listed winning mare.
The experienced Haatem broke through for a well-deserved Group victory when taking the Group 2 Vintage Stakes over seven furlongs at Glorious Goodwood. It is an interesting move by connections to drop the colt back in distance – he has never won over six furlongs and shaped like he needed further when fifth in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Naas maiden winner Johannes Brahms has not been seen on the racetrack since a second in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes behind Big Evs and is an exciting prospect for the Ballydoyle team. Out of a mare that was Listed placed over ten furlongs, it appears clear that the son of Siyouni is going to relish the extra trip and could eventually become one of the yard's leading Guineas candidates next year.
WIN: JOHANNES BRAHMS
In the 2m½f Group 2 Lonsdale Cup (2:25), five of the runners participated in the Group 1 Goodwood Cup where Quickthorn reigned supreme under a masterful ride from Tom Marquand. The field allowed Quickthorn to steal a sixteen length lead at the half-way marker, and although the margin was reduced by the time they reached the line, it was a clear victory for the front-runner. With that in mind, it is difficult to assess the form of the race – undoubtedly Quickthorn will not be allowed such an easy time at the front again.
Courage Mon Ami is probably given slender preference to take the race, having beaten Coltrane in the 2m4f Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup at the Royal meeting on his previous outing. He is definitely better than the sixth in the Goodwood Cup would suggest and remains open to further improvement after only five racecourse starts.
WIN: COURAGE MON AMI
The 7f Class 2 British EBF 40th Anniversary Convivial Maiden Stakes (4:45) always attracts some promising juveniles and Aidan O'Brien's Battle Cry is well-supported. Out of Listed winning juvenile I'll Have Another, the No Nay Never colt failed to get involved on debut at Navan. He showed noticeable improvement when runner-up at Down Royal subsequently, finishing only half-a-length behind My Mate Alfie, and can continue to progress.
The form of Kings Valley's third in a seven furlong Sandown Park maiden has been given a considerable boost with the winner Arabian Crown subsequently taking the Listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury. The Ollie Sangster-trained colt is open to improvement and the trainer boasts a strong recent record with a 25% strike rate from last fourteen days.
WIN: KINGS VALLEY
RACING & SPORTS SELECTIONS
RACE 1 – BALANCE PLAY
RACE 2 – COURAGE MON AMI
RACE 3 – JOHANNES BRAHMS
RACE 4 – HIGHFIELD PRINCESS
RACE 5 – ROWAYEH
RACE 6 – UNDER THE SUN
RACE 7 - ENFJAAR
