Epsom 1 June 2024 Betfred Derby Group 1 City Of Troy and Ryan Moore winning for owners Coolmore© Photo Healy Racing
The opening day of the York Ebor Festival is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with several exciting races to look forward to. In our Formscan preview podcast, Tanya Stevenson offered valuable insights into some of the day’s most intriguing contests.
The Tattersalls Acomb Stakes has a history of producing top-class horses like Chaldean and Phoenix Of Spain, so it's no surprise that this year's edition has attracted a pair of high-class colts.
Godolphin’s Ruling Court has been launched to the top of the market for next year’s 2000 Guineas after a stunning debut win at Sandown. Tanya Stevenson described the performance as “rather breathtaking.”
“When you sit back and look at the form, he beat Pantile Warrior, who showed real pace at Newbury recently. Then there's Stanhope Garden, who finished third and has since come out and beaten High Season and Far Ahead at Beverley. Ruling Court won by five lengths, going away there was never any doubt. How much more is there to come?”
His 2.3 million guineas price tag from the breeze-up sales suggests that expectations are high and likely justified.
Ballydoyle’s The Lion In Winter also made an impressive start to his career, winning his maiden on debut. Notably, he defeated two more experienced rivals, which makes the victory even more significant. The runner-up, Currawood, came from a strong maiden that has produced multiple winners. Additionally, Ides Of March, who finished third in that race, has since won, further enhancing the form. While his breeding suggests that the 7f trip might be on the short side, The Lion In Winter adds to what promises to be an intriguing contest.
The Great Voltigeur Stakes at York marks the return of Los Angeles, the Irish Derby winner. He comes into this race with form that looks a class above his rivals. A win here could set him up for a serious challenge in the St. Leger, much like his stablemate Continuous last year. The only potential concern is the good-to-firm ground, which he has never encountered before. Despite that, Tanya noted she “couldn’t believe he was so big” at 6/4 when assessing the race, indicating her confidence in his class.
The Juddmonte International has attracted a world-class field, with numerous compelling storylines. However, all eyes will be on City Of Troy as he bids to become only the sixth horse in history to win both the Derby and the Juddmonte International in the same season. It will be a tough challenge, though, and Tanya makes a strong case for the French challengers Zarakem and Calandagan.
“I’m going for a 1-2 finish for France in this race. We don’t know just how good Calandagan could be; he’s not my winner, but his performance in the King Edward was breathtaking. He’s never run in a Group 1, but with his trainer already having scooped a King George this season, we have to show the utmost respect.”
“However, I think Zarakem could be the one to watch. He’s improved rapidly beyond all expectations. He didn’t perform well in the Prix Ganay, which made him 33/1 at Ascot against Auguste Rodin. But much like Goliath at Royal Ascot, watch how much ground Zarakem makes up. At Swinley Bottom, he was still last, with only two horses behind him approaching the final turn. Maxim Guyon probably thought he was flying from there to about a furlong out when Horizon Dore leaned on him, and he didn’t get the best of runs. At 11/1, Zarakem is the one for me.”
The French challenge is strong and perhaps underestimated in the market, but City Of Troy possesses superstar quality. If he's at his best, he could deliver a standout performance against the older horses.
In the opening race of the day, Tanya gave a favourable mention to We Never Stop (currently 28/1) from the Kevin Ryan yard. After running well despite getting bumped around while running downhill at Goodwood, he’s drawn well, which could be key.
“In that first race, you tend to need to be drawn above 13,” Tanya noted.
In the Sky Bet Stayers Handicap (4.10), I thought Extensio could give the O’Donnell family another memorable day following their success at Fairyhouse. A winner over this trip in the Tipperary Cup at Clonmel last September, he will relish the distance and the ground. A remarkably consistent horse, he’s rarely out of the first three. Despite running off a career-high mark, the ease of his last win suggests there could be more to come.
