15:00 York

Wednesday 17 May 2023

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:15

1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 15:02 | Winning time: 1m 9.11s

(8)

Highfield Princess¹⁹³

Age: 6| Weight: 9-12| J: Jason Hart| T: J & S Quinn| OR: 119| CD

5/1

High-class mare who won 5 times (including this) in a brilliant 2022 campaign, 3 of them at Group 1 level, including the Nunthorpe at this venue. Lesser effort in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland easy to excuse and she's the one to beat if close to her peak form on reappearance.

Form: 161114-

(5)

Annaf⁴⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: Tom Marquand| T: M Appleby| OR: 108| BF| D

50/1

Smart performer on the AW, completing the hat-trick in listed company at Lingfield in February. Ran up to form when last seen in April but big question is whether he can transfer that level to turf.

Form: 75-1113

(7)

Art Power¹⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-10| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 110| BF| C| D

20/1

Back to best when landing the Group 3 Renaissance Stakes for a second successive year at the Curragh in September. Not quite in same form to end the year and he was a shade too free when mid-field in this a year ago.

Form: 818366-

(1)

Commanche Falls^p⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-10| J: Connor Beasley| T: M Dods| OR: 112| D

12/1

Enjoyed cracking 2022, landing Stewards' Cup at Goodwood for second year running and also second in Ayr Gold Cup. All the sharper for reappearance when narrowly denied in Newmarket Group 3 last month (just ahead of Creative Force) though that rival reversed the form at Haydock on Saturday.

Form: 235-723

(10)

Creative Force⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 117| BF| D

3/1

Winner of the 2021 Champions Sprint at Ascot and placed 3 times at Group 1 level in 2022. Finished ¾ length behind Commanche Falls when third in Newmarket Group 3 on reappearance but met that rival on better terms at Haydock on Saturday and he duly reversed the form when tasting success.

Form: 2433-31

(3)

Diligent Harry⁴⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: K Shoemark| T: C G Cox| OR: 109| D

28/1

Lightly raced for a 5-y-o and just about better than ever when landing 11-runner All-Weather Sprint Championships at Newcastle last month. Effective on turf but career-best effort needed.

Form: 00-2191

(11)

Emaraaty Ana¹⁹³

Age: 7| Weight: 9-10| J: T Eaves| T: K A Ryan| OR: 113| CD

18/1

Group 1 winner over 6f 2021 and placed in the last 2 renewals of the Nunthorpe. As good as ever when second Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland final start last year and that puts him in the mix.

Form: 006322-

(4)

The Astrologist^t⁵³

Age: 7| Weight: 9-10| J: R L Moore| T: L & T Corstens| D

8/1

Group 3 winner in Australia who ran a screamer when runner-up in Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan in March, just failing. That form brings him right into the mix on British debut with Ryan Moore booked.

Form: 781-062

(9)

Azure Blue¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: P Mulrennan| T: M Dods| OR: 104| D

12/1

Went from strength to strength last year having graduated through the handicap ranks and she picked up where she left off with a taking winner in listed company at Newmarket 11 days ago. Went with plenty of zest and limit may not have been reached so she's not to be underestimated.

Form: 41411-1

(2)

Marshman³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 113| BF| D

85/40

Won first 2 starts before an excellent second in the Gimcrack over C&D. Didn't need to improve to make a winning reappearance in a Group 3 at Chantilly, needing to be firmly driven to keep straight. Steps up in class but he's not fully exposed and receives weight all round.

Form: 1125-1

Non-Runners

(6)

Khaadem⁷⁴

Weight: 9-10| Age: 7

T: C Hills J: Jim Crowley

Forecasts

Marshman (85/40), Creative Force (3/1), Highfield Princess (5/1), The Astrologist (8/1), Azure Blue (12/1), Commanche Falls (12/1), Emaraaty Ana (18/1), Art Power (20/1), Diligent Harry (28/1), Annaf (50/1), Khaadem (50/1)

HIGHFIELD PRINCESS had race fitness on her side when landing this a year ago, and while she's no banker to be fully tuned this time, this triple Group 1 winner may still outclass these. Australian-raider The Astrologist brings totally different formlines to the table and he's a fascinating contender, with Creative Force completing the shortlist turned out quickly following a success at Haydock on Saturday.