Sky Bet York Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 15:15 | Winning time: 2m 10.17s

(5)

Alflaila²⁹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: Owen Burrows| OR: 116| C

5/1

Ended 2022 firmly on the up, supplementing his Group 3 Strensall Stakes win at this venue at that level in the Darley Stakes at Newmarket (9f). Has an absence to overcome but a big form player if he returns in peak condition.

Form: 102111-

(2)

Checkandchallenge^v1³⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: Jason Watson| T: W J Knight| OR: 108

9/1

Three-time winner (including a 1m Group 3) who is often highly tried, not beaten far in the Lockinge at Newbury in May. Left with plenty to do how the race unfolded at Ascot last month but he's well worth another crack at this trip. Visor reached for.

Form: 134-487

(3)

Mashhoor²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Ben Coen| T: J P Murtagh| OR: 110| D

7/1

At the very top of his game, taking the rise in class in his stride when completing the hat-trick in Group 3 company at the Curragh a month ago. Uncomplicated sort but this asks another question of him.

Form: 10-0111

(1)

My Prospero³⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 121| D

1/1

Very progressive 3-y-o, landing odds in the Prix Eugene Adam at Saint-Cloud and cranked it up another notch when third in Champion Stakes at Ascot (½ length behind Bay Bridge) final start that year. Failed to come on for reappearance when fourth in Prince of Wales's Stakes but he's a massive player.

Form: 1313-44

(4)

Royal Champion³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: J Mitchell| T: R Varian| OR: 116| D

9/2

Shaped as though amiss in the Champion Stakes final start in 2022 but stepped up markedly on his comeback run when landing the Wolferton Stakes at Ascot last month. That was a deep race of its type so he has to be taken seriously.

Form: 4319-51

Forecasts

My Prospero (1/1), Royal Champion (9/2), Alflaila (5/1), Mashhoor (7/1), Checkandchallenge (9/1)

MY PROSPERO's placed effort in the Champion Stakes at Ascot last autumn is the best piece of form on offer, and while he hasn't yet matched that in 2023, this looks a good opening for him eased slightly in class. Royal Champion arrives on the back of a career-best effort and is feared most, though Alflaila is dangerous if returning in top form.