A warm muggy morning for the team back in Newmarket, much the same here at York.
A fine evening courtesy of Sir Robert Ogden yesterday. Many thanks to him for his generous hospitality.
We are now heading to the Knavesmire for what is another big day for us all. Trip To Paris makes his eighth start of the year in the Lonsdale Cup and this looks the best staying race of the season so far. The presence of Big Orange, Mizzou, Clever Cookie and Simenon makes it a Group 1 in all but name, and we are the only horse to carry a penalty. We were due to saddle Times Up aswell but the dead ground really doesn't suit him so we've decided to wait for another day.
The ground shouldn’t be an issue judged on his Chester Cup exploits, and the horse remains in fine form, but he would need a clear career best to emerge victorious in this field.
At Sandown, Michael’s Mount – a Mount Nelson half-brother to the smart stayer Camborne – makes his debut in the seven furlong maiden. He is bred to need further than this in time, and the draw hasn’t been kind, but this is a good place to start on what promises to be decent ground.
No declarations for Sunday and we are pretty quiet on the entry front as well.
The Yorkshire Oaks lived up to its billing yesterday and it was a superb race. Kevin Manning gave the winner a fine ride, but so too did Pat Smullen on the second.
Day three is just as exciting across and the horse everyone most wants to see is surely Acapulco. Win or lose, she is sure to make the Nunthorpe a thrilling spectacle.
More tomorrow.
Ed.