The Trackside Live team are keeping an eye on things for us during the Dante Festival at York – check out the latest updates from the parade ring.
Please refresh page for updates – all times BSTVerdict
Merchant best, Last Galileo next best.
Parade ring updates
Last Galileo – fitter than most, looks ready.
Rahiebb – big unit, he’s fine, fit and well.
Pantile Warrior – similar comments, looks like this might bring him on a bit.
Tuscan Star – just fine, will come on for this.
Novelista – needs the run today.
Merchant – superb looking model, rib fit for this, lot to like.
Many Men – coat much improved on previous sightings, fit.
Anniversary – in good order for first start of season, has done plenty of work.
Winning reaction
Shane Foley: “He had breezed very well and was bought with a big reputation and in fairness to Richard [Hannon] and that, they’ve liked him. He’s gone through the race well, little bit keen in the middle half of the race, one landed down his outside and just got a bit aggressive. I was keen to get cover as there’s quite a strong headwind as well, he’s picked up good. The ground is a little bit on the dead side so I think when he gets good fast ground he’ll probably improve again.”
Verdict
Really impressed by Wise Approach again; Full Gas and Romeo Montague also liked.
Parade ring updates
Romeo Montague – nice prospect, bit more size than some of these, wears red hood but very well behaved, one of the better ones.
Lina Codina – nice filly, athletic but very slight. Think she’ll fill out more, but looks a speedy early season type. Nice attitude.
First Legion – nice attitude, a little babyish and will learn from the day, likeable enough but more interesting next time perhaps.
Full Gas – proper two-year-old, closely put together and sprinting type, on toes and will need to be managed but like.
Isambard Kingdom – big framed colt, good attitude but you’d expect he’d improve for the run and tighten up.
Kinnalargy – likeable for debut, having a bit of a shout but compact and fit enough, a typical ‘two year old type’.
Jan Steen – two handlers but taking proceedings well, if a little tentative, well balanced, no fitness concerns.
Tadej – big framed colt, will come forward for the run.
Going Commando – early in the pre-parade (before the previous race) and has been shouting, will learn plenty still.
Side Deal – nice stamp, walks well, can see why he fetched good money at the breeze up, came into the pre parade shouting but settling enough.
Wise Approach – so impressed by this colt at Ascot, he really takes the eye and looks to be a star in the making. Equally impressive physical today, perhaps a touch tenser in busier surroundings but no concerns.
Winning reaction
Oisin Murphy: “He did the same at Newmarket [slow at the start], he’s just quite laid back mentally so sometimes it takes him a stride to get into gear but he was very comfortable through the race and he’s a classy horse. Star Of Mehmas has been doing very good work with his other filly who runs at Newbury, I often see them out of my bedroom window. She was able to dictate with Ryan on board and she took some passing. He felt like he was going to bolt up but the headwind was very strong; what happens when you get cover and then press go into the headwind is they can caught off guard and that’s what happened to him and it took him 10 strides to put his head down through no fault of his own. It would maybe make more sense to stick against three-year-olds rather than take on older horses but that doesn’t have to be decided now.”
Verdict
Tropical Storm and Mr Lightside the best pair.
Parade ring updates
Captain Kinsella – still think he might sharpen up a little, not unfit though.
Mr Lightside – classic sprinter, burly and muscular, like.
Miss Lamai – lean filly, good level of muscle over the quarters, like.
Aesterius – two handlers but relaxed, calmer than he was as a juvenile, no fitness concerns.
Star Of Mehmas – nice filly, plenty of power in the hind end, relaxed.
Sir Yoshi – on his toes, can’t fault fitness, long backed for a sprinter but lean.
Tropical Storm – was a bit behind in his coat at Newmarket and looks far better, no fitness concerns.
Winning reaction
Rossa Ryan: “It went lovely, it’s only his second run and we were all in the camp of getting him dropped in the middle and getting him to learn but he took me there. When I pulled him out he just dropped on (the bridle) and went. You’d be getting a bit excited about him, for sure. He’s seen it out well, he’s bred to get a mile and a half. We can dream, he’s got a bright future this lad.”
Verdict
Can’t find fault with The Lion In Winter. Royal Playwright and Tuscan Hills best alternatives at a price.
Parade ring updates
The Lion In Winter – physically forward as a juvenile and has upheld as a three-year-old, no fitness concerns at all. Two handlers but wouldn’t be required, can’t fault.
Wimbledon Hawkeye – two handlers and calmer than first two runs. Still not catching the eye physically as a three-year-old but couldn’t put you off.
Sea Scout – well balanced colt, a little warm between back legs but well managed.
Pride Of Arras – looks like he’ll sharpen up for the run, nice stamp, one for the notebook next time.
Mister Rizz – relaxed colt, walks well, others stand out more but no negatives.
Nightwalker – learning all the time and getting less babyish with each run, fine. Having a shout now, still more learning to come!
Tuscan Hills – really catching the eye from a fitness perspective, especially as a horse making seasonal reappearance, scopey colt.
Royal Playwright – impressed as a juvenile and has grown well into his frame, good level of fitness. Likeable type.
Damysus – smart, compact colt, tends to profile well, fine.
Alpine Trail – become quite warm but relaxed enough, fit as you’d expect, not particularly catching the eye but couldn’t put you off.
Devil’s Advocate – not improved a lot from two to three years, fine with first time cheekpieces.
Winning reaction
Oisin Murphy: “She relaxed great. I felt I got there too early at Sandown and perhaps – she’d been doing a lot of work at home but maybe she hadn’t been asked a question at home – she did get tired on a stiff track like Sandown. The aim was obviously to run Kalpana but unfortunately she didn’t scope clean on Tuesday so I switched and I’m very grateful that Sheikh Fahad allowed me to come here because we had runners elsewhere.
“I thought it was evenly run and she was always comfortable and in control. She was only beaten a head and a neck in the Nassau last year and I was gutted because I thought we might get there but anyway, she deserves to win at the top level and it’s great that Jeff [Smith, owner] is here today enjoying her.”
Verdict
Can’t fault See The Fire (always presents well), Nakheel the best alternative.
Parade ring updates
Karmology (also see below) – getting over the top now, getting warm.
Nakheel – best of the returning horses, good level of fitness, in good order.
Karmology – tight, very fit, head tossing a little, can’t argue with fitness level.
Sioux Life – relaxed mare, big scopey type. Done a fair level of work and not unfit, but suspect she’ll come forward for the run.
Beautiful Love – has got a little warm, which she did at Newmarket, fit and fine.
Doha – fit for reappearance, has looked better than some of Beckett’s first-up runners, like.
Ambiente Amigo – has got a little tight but displayed same behaviour at Notts, fit.
Royal Dress – big framed filly, definition over quarters but suspect she’ll tighten up over the ribs for the run.
See The Fire – as expected, very fit and looks in good order, always presents well, no concerns.
Winning reaction
Ed Bethell: “We made the entry for the Hunt Cup but whether Ascot is his track I don’t know. Doncaster was a bit of a cavalry charge and it got a bit messy for him whereas here it all went smoothly. It’s got a bend to get a bit of a breather into him and there is a part of me that thinks he enjoys a bend and fast ground so we’ll try and box a little bit clever and see where that might take us but he’s talented for sure. He’s good and when things do fall right he’s a very talented horse.”
Verdict
Good level of fitness across the board, Old Cock and Cruyff Turn the best pair.
Parade ring updates
Blue For You – another one in good order, like.
Sisyphean – fit enough for return, couldn’t put you off, well muscled.
Cruyff Turn – lean, couldn’t have got him much fitter.
Cerulean Bay – had got a little warm and on edge, others preferred.
Northern Express – in good order, like.
Theme Park – still going to keep forward for runs, others appeal more.
Alzahir – good level of muscle, catching the eye.
La Trinidad – keen, will need to be managed for remainder of preliminaries.
Dingle – high level of fitness, positive.
Mr King – big imposing gelding, fit for frame.
Romieu – can’t fault fitness, well muscled, little behind in coat but not a concern.
Urban Sprawl – a little on his toes but no concerns, fair level of fitness, fine.
Old Cock – wears red hood, but very relaxed, fitness is notably high.
Stanage – early eye catcher, well muscled, like.
14.10 Lindum York HandicapResult
1st – AMERICAN AFFAIR 7/2 fav
2nd – Jm Jungle 11/2
3rd – Toca Madera 18/1
4th – Shagraan 8/1
5th – Mon Na Slieve 28/1
Winning reaction
Paul Mulrennan: “He’s done nothing but improve. He started off last year in the 70s, the more racing he’s got, the sharper he’s got. He’s improved with racing and you can see him there, when he hit the front he shuts down and thinks he’s done enough, he’s still quite a raw horse really. Jim [Goldie] said to me today ‘we’ll learn a lot more about him’, there’s no easy 5f races at York, 18 runners across the track, and he’s proved he probably is up to going to the next level.
“I was just saying to the owners even going down to the start, he still carries on like he’s never ran before. He’s green and raw and just likes being ridden like that. We learned a lot in defeat last year, a couple of days probably made a bit too much use of him but he seems to really love being dropped in and coming through horses.
“Beautiful ground, absolutely perfect, best ground I’ve ridden on this year.”
Parade ring updates
VERDICT: Mon Na Slieve, Shagraan and Toca Madera best trio.
Mondammej withdrawn.
Vince l’Amour – can’t argue with fitness, fine.
Tees Spirit – got a little warm, has before, not a negative and looks fine.
Mon Na Slieve – well muscled, solid level of fitness, nicely keen without adverse behaviour once first time blinkers went on.
Mondammej – been kept busy, just okay, presenting as his usual type.
Vantheman – bigger type, would expect him to jump forward again for another racecourse outing although not unfit.
Vintage Clarets – good muscle definition over quarters, fine.
Nazron – well muscled, fine.
Lethal Nymph – hasn’t got the coat condition or fitness edge of some of these, just OK.
Fine Wine – wouldn’t be surprised if he keeps progressing for racecourse fitness, others preferred.
Zoulu Chief – solid muscular type, always presents well, good again.
Jm Jungle – going to keep progressing through the season; not unfit but seen him look better.
Ventura Express – big framed type, doesn’t have the fitness edge of opponents, prefer others.
Spartan Arrow – fitness level as you’d expect from the yard, in good order.
Shagraan – sharp but well muscled, on his toes but typical paddock behaviour from him.
American Affair – on toes early in the pre-parade. Not a major negative but will be expending plenty of energy between now and the off.
Pilgrim – nice level of forward in pre-parade. Definition over quarters, like.
Toca Madera – wears red hood but relaxed and easy going. Fitness is notable; early positive.
Trilby – no fitness concerns, good level of rib, like.
Winning reaction
Sean Levey: “Little turn of foot, he stays strong and he’s in a good place. This was always the right sort of race to be in and he’s put his head in front. I think options for him are plentiful going forward; there’s never a big rush with him and I’m sure the right race will be picked again next time. All day today we’ve been running up that rail which is terrible if you ride a horse you need to take your time on because it gets very condensed down there. I was conscious of that turning in, it’s a long time since he last ran and I wanted things to be as smooth as possible so I was always looking to switch out and have a nice run down the outside.”
Verdict:
Papagei best, Don Simon second best.
Pre-parade ring updates
Capla Lazarus – okay, likeable enough, couldn’t put you off.
Great Bedwyn – second handler hovering but not required, fair level of fitness.
Maghlaak – okay, no major negatives, fair rib definition.
Cello – good level of fitness for frame, big gelding.
Ey Up Its The Boss – little agitated, good muscle definition over quarters, seen him look better.
Masekela – one of the better ones in the field, fair level of fitness, okay.
Kitsune Power – might tighten up again for the run.
Molinari – presenting as we’d usually see him, no fitness concerns.
Glistening Nights – roundy type, good muscle definition for type of horse.
Churchella – needs the run, will improve.
Saratoga Gold – okay, might sharpen up a touch again.
Don Simon – nice walker, easy going and likeable enough.
Papagei – catching the eye, good muscular definition, fit.
Lightening Company – behind in the coat, looks like it might need another run to come to hand.
Winning reaction
Shane Foley: “It took until halfway to realise he was racing but I liked the way he picked up and he had a nice little blow so he will improve a lot. The way that lad felt beforehand, going down and during the run I think he will [improve] so something to look forward to. I think he will get six but it will be interesting to see because he was plenty green so should sharpen up plenty for that.”
Verdict:
Under The Radar best, superior fitness to these. Like Ballistic Missile as an alternative if he can overcome greenness.
Parade ring update
Ballistic Missile – come into the paddock and has been a little clueless, little green.
Pre-parade ring updates
Under The Radar – narrow chest, slight colt, very racy type, notable level of fitness compared to the rest of the field.
Bravo Hotel – wears red hood, fairly professional, still might tighten up, okay.
Frio – two handlers and perhaps still a little babyish, forward enough two-year-old, compact.
Utmost Respect (see below also) – gone very colty all of a sudden and suddenly on his toes, interesting change in demeanour.
Roy Lane – so laid back he’s almost backwards, will come forward for first outing and improve for anything he does today.
Utmost Respect – closely put together colt, fair definition over the quarters but you’d expect him to come forward a touch over the ribs, another relaxed character.
Ballistic Missile – easy going demeanour, relaxed through the body and catching the eye with a professional attitude, no fitness concerns.
Winning reaction
Hector Crouch: “He threatened in nurseries to take himself to the next level and he’s really done that this year. He needed it [the seventh furlong] today, they went very quick at Windsor over six in a lesser grade and he picked his way through well that day. A wide draw again, we had to ride him the same way, and we’re markedly up in grade but he did it really well. I took him back, I wanted to filter in, further from the rail than I ended up, but from 14 I had to take it as it came.
“Wimbledon Hawkeye is the form horse from this year, obviously the two horses stepping out for their first runs of the year have got massive reputations. If the hype is to be believed, they’re the ones to beat but my lad’s far from disgraced himself this year and looks like he’s crying out for the extra couple of furlongs and I’m delighted to get the chance on him.”
Verdict:
Green Pursuit and Double Parked best pair.
Pre-parade ring updates
Lesley’s Boy – no sighting.
Tattie Bogle – late to paddock with mesh rug on, fit enough.
Jolly Roger – nice forward walker, okay.
Red Sand – solid type, okay, no fitness concerns.
Frankies Dream – touch on toes, not a major problem but worth noting, muscular enough.
Double Parked – rangy, narrow, very fit.
Rare Change – might still come forward again for the run, not unfit.
Best Rate – in good order again, liked him at Newmarket last time and presenting similar.
Miss Hathaway – going down to post early, okay, little behind in coat but no concerns.
Gallant – very fit, compact, muscular, like.
Perfect Part – wears red hood and a little strong in pre-parade, very fit.
Eve’s Boy – not unfit for return after break, good quarter definition.
Milford – behind in his coat, might need another run before full fitness.
Green Pursuit – catching the eye, good coat condition, strong level of fitness.
Winning reaction
Ryan Moore: “I won a Group 3 on her at the backend of last year, she kept improving. She had a run back at the Curragh there over a mile, the step up in trip suited her; she’s done everything perfect today, done it all beautifully, travelled nice, took it up going well and found plenty off the bridle and was always in control really. Very straightforward.”
Verdict:
Miss Tonnerre best, followed by Whirl.
Pre-parade ring updates
Go Go Boots – lean filly, lengthy and might still grow into her frame as she’s still higher over the rump. Can’t doubt fitness.
Tattycoram – rangy filly, probably never going to be one who knocks the eye out in the paddock, fit enough, little bouts of antics in paddock but did the same at Sandown.
Serenity Prayer – solid, big chested filly, tightened up a little since Newbury, clearly got a bit of quality about her.
Smoken – touch fresh, maybe come forward a bit for the run, little behind in her coat. No major negatives but a few little niggles.
Miss Tonnerre – very lean for return, angular filly with plenty of leg, high head carriage but no concerns.
Whirl – big, leggy filly, presents more like a colt. Lovely relaxed demeanour, very fit.
Winning reaction
Kevin Ryan: “I was very nervous today. He’s just been working a little bit behind the bridle but he’s a year older, we lost a month with him and he’s quite a gross horse now. I just gave Ryan [Moore, jockey] the lowdown on what I thought and then you leave it to Ryan. Tom [Eaves] was very gentlemanly about it but we just felt that….his two last runs last year were poor and you probably could forgive them, he’d been on the go a long time, but when Ryan was available just to get his feedback of what went right and went wrong and thankfully it went right so I’m delighted.”
Verdict:
Night Raider and Marshman best pair.
Pre-parade ring updates
Kerdos – fit enough for return, good.
Inisherin – has got quite sweaty, which he did before the July cup, looks like he’ll sharpen up for the run.
Rage Of Bamby – should come forward a bit for the run, not unfit.
Night Raider – two handlers and on toes, but not in a particularly negative way, always an eye catching physical and looks in great order.
Flora Of Bermuda – long backed filly, tight over quarters, fair enough for return.
Elite Status – getting warm between back legs, not unfit but will tighten up.
Marshman – hard fit again, always tends to present quite tight with high muscle definition.
Royal Zabeel – in great order, can tell he’s had a run, eye catching level of fitness.
14.42 Churchill Tyres Handicap
RESULT
1 – Rousing Encore 22/1
2 – Dark Thirty 7/1
3 – Korker 14/1
4 – Two Tribes 5/1 favourite
5 – Bergerac 11/1
6 – Change Sings 10/1
Winning reaction
James Sullivan: “Mentally he was of a great mind today. Last year he was a bit keen and he lit-up last time at Leicester but today he settled really nicely and went through the race very well. I was trying to edge into the middle and then try and get cover off the right horses and I kept having to go that way [far side] and in the end I was happy enough to go that side and get dragged into the race over there and he’s done it well in the end.
“Last year he won at Ayr and I said he might be a horse that if he goes and gets his confidence he could compete in these good races. He was put in the deep end this year and each run he’s got better and today he proved he can do it. She’s [Ruth Carr, trainer] the horses in great nick and it’s great for the yard, a smaller yard but they do very well with them. There’s moisture on top of it [the ground], not going really deep into it, it’s good ground really.”
Verdict:
Dark Thirty and Prince Of Pillo best pair, Commanche Falls third best.
Pre-parade ring updates
First Folio – okay, might still tighten up a touch.
We Never Stop – very fit, looks well.
Glenfinnan – okay, no concerns.
Korker – good level of fitness after short break.
Mister Sox – backing up quickly, okay.
Holkham Bay – good coat condition, fair level of fitness.
Brave Empire: alright after a break, fit enough.
Rousing Encore – no fitness concerns, fine.
Commanche Falls -catching the eye, good muscle definition, positive.
Bergerac – easy walker, good level of fitness.
Secret Guest – fine, nicely keen going into the paddock.
Dark Thirty – seen both runs this year and continues to impress, big framed gelding, positive.
Prince Of Pillo – likeable type, not much size but good muscle definition, positive.
Two Tribes – fine, hasn’t come on noticeably from Newmarket.
Ramazan – heavy sweating and a little on toes in pre-parade, suspect others will appeal.
Change Sings – sweating noticeably, no fitness concerns.
14:10 Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Jorvik Handicap
RESULT
1 – Almosh’her 15/2
2 – Stressfree 11/2
3 – Plage De Havre 11/2
4 – Paradias 13/2
Winning reaction
Karl Burke: “When he arrived he was pretty hot at home. He’s settled into our routine fairly well but he’s still a horse you have to be careful with and nurse along so we didn’t really know what to expect. I thought Cliff gave him a really nice ride; we wanted to get a lead and get him in a nice rhythm and that’s a great start. He was obviously a good performer for Charlie [Fellowes] and unfortunately for Charlie he lost him. He ran his three races on the all-weather, did well to win over a mile, and he’s a progressive horse; it was just unfortunate, these things happen.”
Verdict:
Paradias and The Reverend best pair. Almosh’her worth noting, very fit, has got in a heavy sweat but suspect it’s not a concern.
Pre-parade ring updates
Marhaba The Champ – wearing first time cheekpieces and keen in the pre-parade, head tossing.
The Reverend – first run back, lean, no fitness concerns.
La Pulga – has become a touch warm, no concerns.
Paradias – big framed gelding, looks in great order, loose through the body and walking well.
Plage De Havre – wears red hood, muscle definition, fine.
Max Mayhem – warm between back legs, moderate.
King’s Code – only ran four days ago, not catching the eye as particularly fit though.
Naqeeb – needs the run after break.
Dark Moon Rising – still behind in the coat, no fitness concerns although tense through neck.
See Hector – round girthed type, not lacking muscle definition, fine.
Almosh’her – left late to paddock and has got very warm, suspect normal enough behaviour, appeals from a fitness perspective.
Stressfree – wears red hood but in good order, no negatives.
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