Sky Bet York Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 15:15 | Winning time: 2m 16.43s

(3)

Armory³⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: J A Heffernan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 119| D

9/4

Classy and consistent colt who ran out an easy winner of a Chester Group 2 on return in May. Solid third in Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot next time and he sets a good standard.

Form: 4132-13

(1)

Bangkok^t¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 110| D

14/1

Smart performer who landed a listed race and valuable minor event on the AW earlier this year. However, he's 0-7 in Group 2 company and above, and finished last of 4 behind Armory at Chester in May.

Form: 218144

(4)

Juan Elcano³⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: K A Ryan| OR: 114| D

8/1

Fine fifth in the 2000 Guineas in 2020 and looked better than ever following a wind op when landing the Wolferton at Royal Ascot last month. Merits respect, for all that this a tougher assignment.

Form: 5438-61

(5)

Montatham²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: Liam Jones| T: W J Haggas| OR: 107| C

25/1

Progressed into a smart performer last term and hasn't done much wrong in 2 starts so far this year However, his role here is presumably to ensure that Mohaafeth gets a strong pace to aim at.

Form: 1120-36

(2)

Mohaafeth³⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: Jim Crowley| T: W J Haggas| OR: 112| D

4/5

Impressive winner of Newmarket listed race in May and, having sidestepped the Derby, he made it 4-4 this year with another taking performance in the Hampton Court at Royal Ascot. Potentially classy.

Form: 73-1111

Forecasts

Mohaafeth (4/5), Armory (9/4), Juan Elcano (8/1), Bangkok (14/1), Montatham (25/1)

It was back in 2006 that this race was last won by a 3-y-o, but in MOHAAFETH the Classic generation is represented by a potential top-notch colt this year. He oozed class at Royal Ascot last month and, with Montatham likely to ensure that they go a good clip and fast ground forecast, he should prove too strong for Armory, in receipt of 12 lb from the Irish raider. Juan Elcano is best of the rest.