Daiquiri Bay has Ebor riches in his sights

Daiquiri Bay will head straight to York in a bid to supplement his brilliant victory at Royal Ascot in the Sky Bet Ebor.

Alan King’s four-year-old was a consistent performer last term, including when third in the Melrose Stakes over the same track and trip as the Ebor, but has taken his form to the next level this season after being gelded.

Since returning with victory over a mile and a half at Newmarket, he beat the same rival, Gamrai, when upped in distance for the Copper Horse Stakes at the Royal meeting and is now being readied to seek not only a 2026 hat-trick but a slice of the £500,000 on offer in the Knavesmire’s feature handicap on August 22.

“He’s in great form and will go straight for the Ebor,” said King, with Daiquiri Bay as short as 12-1 with some bookmakers.

“He’s just having a little break now after Ascot and we’ll build him back up for York. I’m very happy with him at the moment and we’re just ticking away quietly.

“He ran well at York in the Melrose last year and it looked the obvious place to go – if it ever rains again and if we can get him on easier ground I think you’ll see an even better horse.

“I think gelding him has made a real difference and he’s settled down beautifully for that.”