All eyes will be on Ascot for the King George at 4:10, but before that, we head to York for the Group 2 Sky Bet York Stakes at 2:40.
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Sky Bet York Stakes Runner By Runner Guide – 1m2½f
Andrew takes a look at all seven runners in what looks a high class renewal of the Sky Bet York Stakes.
1 Almaqam (6)
Age: 4 Weight: 9st 8lb Form: 632-31 Jockey: Kieran Shoemark Trainer: Ed Walker Current odds: 1/1The form of Almaqam’s latest win speaks volumes for his chances here. He took the scalp of none other than Ombudsman before the Godolphin-owned runner went on to bolt up in the Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Then, of no fault of his own, Ombudsman was narrowly beaten when going to back-to-back Group 1s in the Coral-Eclipse. Should Almaqam replicate that run, he will obviously be very tough to beat. However, on the day he did get the run of the race, and he was left unpestered on the lead.
It is questionable if he can replicate that form here, especially given that there are plenty in here who like to get on with it. However, he will handle soft ground, which will prove a plus should the rain continue to fall.
Star Rating:
Bet on Almaqam with William Hill
7 Stanhope Gardens (4)
Age: 3 Weight: 8st 13lb Form: 312-15 Jockey: Rossa Ryan Trainer: Ralph Beckett Current odds: 4/1Having made a winning return this season in a race that was put on for him so that connections could get a run into him before setting sights on the Derby, Stanhope Garden went on to not disgrace himself on the big stage.
He looked as if he was going to lay down a serious challenge just over three furlongs out, but the combination of being short of room and then not seeing out the Derby trip saw him weaken into fifth place.
There is so much to take out of his Derby run, and with so much more to come from Stanhope Gardens, this talented three-year-old colt may be about to bag his first Group success. And should the ground conditions stay on the soft side, he has already proven that he can handle a cut in the ground.
Star Rating:
Bet on Stanhope Gardens with William Hill
5 Bay City Roller (5)
Age: 3 Weight: 8st 13lb Form: 111-22 Jockey: Callum Shepherd Trainer: George Scott Current odds: 13/2Unbeaten as a two-year-old, which included a Group 2 success, Bay City Roller may not have won this season, but he has put in two progressive performances. He was no match for the progressive Opera Bello on his return, but the winner has since gone on to bolt up on his next start.
That run entitles him to serious consideration, as does his close second in a French Group 2 last time out. Yes, he needs to kick on once again against some talented rivals, but there is a feeling that the best is yet to come from this son of New Bay.
Soft ground would be an unknown, but his sire New Bay won back-to-back Group 2s in deep ground, so there is hope that he will be fine on rain softened ground.
Star Rating:
Bet on Bay City Roller with Ladbrokes
6 Green Impact (1)
Age: 3 Weight: 8st 13lb Form: 11-616 Jockey: Shane Foley Trainer: Jessica Harrington Current odds: 9/1Two sixth-place finishes this season bookend Green Impacts’ listed win at Leopardstown last month, when he held off the consistent Currawood. For all the talent that Green Impact has, he still doesn’t look like the finished product.
He was forced to make the running when winning at Leopardstown and was always only doing enough to win. Next up was the Irish Derby, but he was a no-show, finishing a never-in-contention sixth.
He will need to leave that run well behind him here, but given his consistency, he can bounce right back to form and will appreciate a pace to run down. It’s easy to see him running well here.
Star rating:
Bet on Green Impact with bet365
4 Royal Champion (3)
Age: 7 Weight: 9st 8lb Form: 01–147 Jockey: Clifford Lee Trainer: Karl Burke Current odds: 16/1The switch to Karl Burke this year has given Royal Champion a new lease on life at the age of seven. He has already won a listed and Group 3 back-to-back on the all-weather this year, and backed those wins up with a close fourth in a Group 3 at Sandown at the start of the flat season.
Since then, he was no match for Ombudsman and co in the Group 1 Prince Of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot, only beating the pacemaker Continuous in the process. Age may be catching up with him now, and he looks vulnerable against less-exposed and younger legs here.
Star Rating:
Bet on Royal Champion with Coral
2 Certain Lad (2)
Age: 9 Weight: 9st 8lb Form: 221-36 Jockey: George Bass Trainer: Jack Channon Current odds: 20/1This nine-year-old owes his connections nothing at this stage of his career and is more than entitled to have a crack at this prize. He has raced 47 times in his career, winning eleven, and placing a further fourteen times.
The softer the ground, the better for him, and even though he has shown that he can still put up some quality performances last season on soft ground, he is likely to find a few too good for him here. But, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he were to give his younger rivals something to think about here.
Star rating:
Bet on Certain Lad with Paddy Power
3 Ecureuil Secret (7)
Age: 4 Weight: 9st 8lb Form: 323-10 Jockey: Oisin Orr Trainer: Richard Fahey Current odds: 22/1Formerly trained in Ireland by Edward O’Grady, Ecureuil Secret took his form to a new level on the back of a gelding operation on his second start for his new trainer Richard Fahey when bolted up by four lengths at 22/1 at Epsom.
He has since backed up that win with a more than respectable run in the Listed Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot. It’s yet to be seen if he is anywhere near up to this level, but he does still have time on his side. Even so, he will need to hit significant new heights here to be competitive.
Star Rating:
Bet on Ecureuil Secret with bet365
Sky Bet York States verdict
In a field that features a mix of youth and experience, the youth appear poised to come out on top. Almaqam comes here with the best form on paper, however, given that his new heights were achieved when front-running, he’s unlikely to get his own way on the lead here.
So with the promise of an end-to-end gallop on show, this could set up for the English Derby fifth STANHOPE GARDENS to bag his first group success. We have yet to see the best of him, and with the weight-for-age allowance on his side, it only adds to the appeal of this talented colt.
About the author
Andrew Halligan
My name is Andrew Halligan, horse racing pundit and founder of YouTube’s The Finishing Line Podcast. Horse racing is a thrilling spectacle that captivates audiences around the world with its blend of drama and excitement. Whether you’re a jumps or flat fan, I will use my experience of working within the horse racing industry to bring the best of what this sport has to offer.
You can follow Andrew on X (@Halligan88).
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