Late decision expected on Passenger weekend outing
Talented four-year-old is possible runner in smart-looking Sky Bet York Stakes.
Sir Michael Stoute will leave it late before deciding if Passenger will take up his engagement in the Sky Bet York Stakes on Saturday. The lightly-raced son of Ulysses won the Wood Ditton on his first run last year before going on to finish an unlucky third in the Dante, disappoint in the Derby and then land the Group Three Winter Hill Stakes on his final outing of 2023. He has not been seen since May, when he beat Israr by a cosy one and a half lengths to win the Huxley Stakes at Chester. Israr has since won the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot, while Passenger was forced out of the Prince of Wales’s Stakes by an infection. The Coral-Eclipse at Sandown also came too soon for the four-year-old and all eyes now turn to the Knavesmire, where Stoute will decide whether to take in the York Stakes or go straight to the Juddmonte International in August. Alan Cooper, racing manager to owners the Niarchos family, said: “The entry was made and Sir Michael will decide through the week what the plan is. Whether he needs to race before going to the Juddmonte or whatever.“The idea was to go to the Prince of Wales’s, but we couldn’t run there. We had to scrap that plan and this could be a good stepping stone to the Juddmonte, so now we need to decide whether to run here or just go straight to the Juddmonte. “We’ll see what Sir Michael decides during the week.” Others in contention for what could prove a high-class renewal include last year’s winner Alflaila (Owen Burrows) and Hampton Court Stakes one-two Jayarebe (Brian Meehan) and King’s Gambit (George Scott).
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.
-
‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy
Godolphin trainer knows what it is like to come close to Breeders’ Cup Classic glory.
-
Hobson ‘can’t wait’ to unleash Fugitif at Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup again the aim for Prestbury Park fan.