Yorkshire Cup: runner-by-runner guide and 7-1 tip

Well-travelled eight-year-old who put his experience to good use when narrowly failing (by a short-head) to win the 2024 Lonsdale Cup on the Knavesmire, and again ran well when third to Trawlerman in the latest renewal of that race. Stays well but appeared to appreciate the drop back from two miles when winning the Nad Al Sheba Trophy on his return in February and ran at least as well when third back at Meydan in the Dubai Gold Cup the following month. Form looks solid. 

Followed up a brace of wins at Goodwood when retaining his unbeaten record in gutsy fashion in the King Edward VII Stakes at last year’s Royal Ascot, a win that earned him a crack at the top level in the Irish St Leger nearly three months later in which he lost little caste when second to Al Riffa (made his challenge much earlier than the winner). Similar story when fourth to Ethical Diamond in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, though coming from further back than usual this time. Holds clearly the best form. 

Shaped for a long way as if he might cause a major shock when eventually tiring into fourth in the 2024 St Leger, but hasn’t gone on from that in an interrupted career since. Sent off 150-1 and beaten 14 lengths in the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot earlier this month and impossible to fancy on that evidence. 

Translated solid handicap course form to the bigger stage when a head second (receiving 5lb) to Rebel’s Romance in this race 12 months ago, form franked by the winner going on to add a couple of top-level wins to his ledger. Closely linked with a couple of these, having been firmly put in his place by Furthur in the Geoffrey Freer and then beaten a length, having come from much further back, behind Al Nayyir at Meydan in March. Respected.

Put a below-par effort in the Chester Vase quickly behind him when going close in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot, and again bounced back from a poor effort when easily turning away Epic Poet and four others in the Geoffrey Freer at Newbury a month later. No impression in the St Leger on much softer ground, and asked too big a question when mid-field in the Melbourne Cup on his only other start. Back in much calmer waters here on his first start since being gelded. 

Yet to add to tally since debut success at Newcastle last March, but campaign of steady progression included close third in the Queen’s Vase prior to a season-closing neck-second to Scandinavia in the St Leger. Connections excited about the prospect of more to come this season and clearly no stamina doubts for a horse who has often done his best work at the end of races. Will this be enough of a test, though? 

Smooth winner of the Melrose Handicap over C&D from a handicap mark of 93 last August and not disgraced, despite being last of seven, in the St Leger three weeks later. Almost landed a touch in a valuable race in Riyadh in February, but weakened very quickly having made the running until two out in the Sagaro Stakes last time. Clearly better than that, and shorter trip here should suit, but has plenty to prove at present. 

An interesting renewal, and a slight surprise to see Coronation Cup entry Amiloc starting his season off over this trip, for all he seemed to get it well enough when overhauled in the Irish St Leger. With another year on his back, this class act could prove hard to beat, but there’s little juice in his current price of 13-8.  

Rahiebb looks likely to make up into a genuine ‘Cup Horse’ this term and should be respected, but Furthur – who was behind him at Doncaster but one place ahead of him in the Queen’s Vase – is fancied to give Andrew Balding a second win in the race at 7/1. He has shown that he can quicken off a slow gallop, and this doesn’t look likely to be run at a break-neck speed. 

Last year’s runner-up Epic Poet and Al Nayyir would both be big players if the pace is honest.