15:00 York

Saturday 22 August 2020

All13:5014:2515:0015:4016:1016:4017:10

Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 15:01 | Winning time: 1m 25.47s

(2)

Beat Le Bon¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Jim Crowley| T: R Hannon| OR: 110| D

15/2

Progressed into a smart performer at up to 1m last term and back on track when second in the Group 3 Sovereign at Salisbury a fortnight ago, very slowly away. Player on that if getting away on terms.

Form: 1156-02

(3)

Brando⁴²

Age: 8| Weight: 9-6| J: T Eaves| T: K A Ryan| OR: 112

28/1

Plenty of good York runs to his name but hasn't looked the force of old this season, never really on terms after an awkward start in the July Cup last time. Doubt this is his trip, even these days.

Form: 244-526

(9)

Escobar^t²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 9-6| J: J P Spencer| T: D O'Meara| OR: 109| C| D

14/1

Won the 1m handicap on Ascot Champions' Day in 2019 and back on track after a breathing operation last time with a fine third in the Lennox Stakes. Course winner under this rider and wouldn't dismiss.

Form: 431-003

(4)

Safe Voyage²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 9-6| J: Jason Hart| T: J & S Quinn| OR: 114| D

4/1

Had an excellent 2019 and has looked even better this term, landing 7f Epsom listed event before a good fourth in the Lennox behind Escobar. One to consider.

Form: 343-214

(5)

San Donato²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: R Varian| OR: 114

9/2

Three wins over 6f at 2 yrs. Raced just 3 times since, looking as good as ever behind Mohaather in the Summer Mile on return then faced with a stiff task behind him in the Sussex. Interesting over 7f.

Form: 111/3-26

(7)

One Master²²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-3| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 114| D

13/8

Has won back-to-back Group 1 Prix de La Forets and did well to resume winning ways in the Oak Tree at Goodwood last month, leading final strides. Thoroughly likeable mare and sure to go well.

Form: 512-641

(6)

Queen Jo Jo³⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: D Tudhope| T: K A Ryan| OR: 107| C

18/1

Caused a surprise in the Group 3 Summer Fillies' Stakes here last month, helped by being held-up in a strongly run race. This is a lot tougher and she didn't seem to stay 7f in the mud previously.

Form: 513-271

(8)

Threat⁴²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: R L Moore| T: R Hannon| OR: 112| C| D

17/2

Group 2 winner over 6f/7f last season (including the Gimcrack). Has struggled to make an impact in Group 1s this term, but respected back down in class over what is probably his optimum trip.

Form: 2115-50

Non-Runners

(1)

Shine So Bright³⁵

Weight: 9-6| Age: 4

T: A M Balding J: S De Sousa

Forecasts

One Master (13/8), Safe Voyage (4/1), San Donato (9/2), Beat Le Bon (15/2), Threat (17/2), Shine So Bright (10/1), Escobar (14/1), Queen Jo Jo (18/1), Brando (28/1)

A red-hot Group 2. ONE MASTER is as likeable as they come and the proven Group 1 performer is taken to follow up her Goodwood success. Last year's winner Shine So Bright looks set for another big run. Escobar and Safe Voyage bring solid Lennox Stakes form to the table, while the 3-y-o Threat, who won the Gimcrack here 12 months ago, and San Donato, are also both interesting dropping back in class.