THIS year’s York Ebor meeting will struggle to surpass 2012 when the emotional words of Sir Henry Cecil in the winner’s enclosure after Frankel’s victory tugged at the heartstrings. But the Ebor meeting is still poised to be one of the highlights of the Flat season. The Juddmonte International may lack Frankel but it promises to be a classy affair with Al Kazeem bidding for a fourth consecutive Group One success. Richard Hannon is expected to run crack miler Toronado although his appearance depends on the rain staying away from the Knavesmire. Trading Leather should run his usual solid race while Aidan O’ Brien’s four biggest names are all entered, Camelot, Kingsbarns, Declaration Of War and Derby winner Ruler Of The World. But whoever he declares will struggle to topple the brilliant AL KAZEEM. He has been THE horse of the year so far and he should oblige.
In the Nunthorpe, the progressive MOVIESTA can continue on his upward curve. He won at Glorious Goodwood and has shown excellent form at York already this season. Shea Shea and Sole Power look formidable opposition but Moviesta is improving fast and can upset the big two in the market.
Elsewhere at the 2013 Ebor meeting, AMAZING MARIA is improving fast and should run well in the Acomb Stakes, while TELESCOPE should finally show his true potential in the Great Voltigeur. The unbeaten J WONDER should step up again in the Lowther Stakes while Warren Place should continue its good record in the Galtres Stakes with SONGBIRD.
In the Betfred Ebor itself, Ted Veale has been the subject of good Irish support and Tony Martin is bullish about his chances. David Simcock has a strong hand with Sheikhzayedroad and Montaser while the in-form Harris Tweed could play a part if the rain arrives. If the ground stays dry then Silver Lime could be worth an each-way interest at a nice price but TIGER CLIFF is my strong fancy. Lady Cecil’s lightly-raced four year old looks to have been laid out for the race and he ran a blinder at Royal Ascot. A year on from one of Sir Henry’s finest moments, a big race winner for Warren Place would be a fitting finale to the 2013 Ebor meeting.
