TEN CONTENDERS GO to post for this afternoon’s feature race at York, the Group 2 Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Cup (15:05).
At the head of the market for the two-mile flat contest is Godolphin’s Opinion Poll, winner of this race by a half-length last season and partnered again today by Frankie Dettori.
Although he only has one win to his name this season — a very tight victory in the Group 2 Goodwood Cup three weeks ago — he has been a remarkably consistent performer, only finishing outside the places on one occasion out of six.
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Trainer Mohamed Al Zarooni and Opinion Poll’s connections have shunted him around over different classes and distances in an attempt to find his ideal contest and this one looks to fit the bill. He finds himself among tough opposition though and will need to stay on strongly if he is to cross the line in front.
More likely contenders, however, are likely to come in the form of William Haggas’ Harris Tweed and John Gosden’s Duncan.
Just 4-years-old, Harris Tweed is yet to be tested over more than 1m6f and it is not known how he’ll handle the trip. He did win a listed race over two furlongs less last season, and has been competitive over a mile-and-a-half in Group 2 and Group 3 company this year. If he continues to improve, he’ll go very close.
Duncan is a similar prospect, a winner over 1m6f on this track when he beat Blue Bajan, another of today’s contenders, to win the Yorkshire Cup in May. He appears to have fallen between distances though and there is a chance that he’ll be slightly outpaced over the final furlongs.
On previous form, there look to be at least two capable of holding Blue Bajan. Of the outside chances, perhaps the best prospects belong to Henry Cecil’s Dandino, a winner at Newmarket and Ripon this season.
A firmly-run 1m4f proved to be too much of a test when finishing fourth to St Nicholas Abbey at Epsom in June and, though this is his first outing over two miles, the step up in distance should suit.
Nap of the day
Harris Tweed (7/2). Though he is unproven over the distance, so are most of the field. Take him to make the step up in distance and strip Opinion Poll of his crown.
Mark your Card: Your best bets for the weekend's racing
TEN CONTENDERS GO to post for this afternoon’s feature race at York, the Group 2 Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Cup (15:05).
At the head of the market for the two-mile flat contest is Godolphin’s Opinion Poll, winner of this race by a half-length last season and partnered again today by Frankie Dettori.
Although he only has one win to his name this season — a very tight victory in the Group 2 Goodwood Cup three weeks ago — he has been a remarkably consistent performer, only finishing outside the places on one occasion out of six.
Trainer Mohamed Al Zarooni and Opinion Poll’s connections have shunted him around over different classes and distances in an attempt to find his ideal contest and this one looks to fit the bill. He finds himself among tough opposition though and will need to stay on strongly if he is to cross the line in front.
More likely contenders, however, are likely to come in the form of William Haggas’ Harris Tweed and John Gosden’s Duncan.
Just 4-years-old, Harris Tweed is yet to be tested over more than 1m6f and it is not known how he’ll handle the trip. He did win a listed race over two furlongs less last season, and has been competitive over a mile-and-a-half in Group 2 and Group 3 company this year. If he continues to improve, he’ll go very close.
Duncan is a similar prospect, a winner over 1m6f on this track when he beat Blue Bajan, another of today’s contenders, to win the Yorkshire Cup in May. He appears to have fallen between distances though and there is a chance that he’ll be slightly outpaced over the final furlongs.
On previous form, there look to be at least two capable of holding Blue Bajan. Of the outside chances, perhaps the best prospects belong to Henry Cecil’s Dandino, a winner at Newmarket and Ripon this season.
A firmly-run 1m4f proved to be too much of a test when finishing fourth to St Nicholas Abbey at Epsom in June and, though this is his first outing over two miles, the step up in distance should suit.
Nap of the day
Harris Tweed (7/2). Though he is unproven over the distance, so are most of the field. Take him to make the step up in distance and strip Opinion Poll of his crown.
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Blue Bajan Duncan Harris Tweed Horse Racing Lonsdale Cup Mark Your Card Opinion Poll Starter's Orders Tips York