15:15 York

Wednesday 15 May 2024

All14:1514:4515:1515:4516:1516:4517:20

1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 15:23 | Winning time: 1m 10.91s

(10)

Art Power⁸¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-1| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 117| C| D

33/1

Very talented on his day, winning twice at the Curragh last term and signed off with success in Ascot Group 1 on Champions' Day in October, showing a good attitude in the process. Seemed stretched by extended 6f in Group 2 at Riyadh in February but likely to be sharper for that.

Form: 15601-0

(15)

Commanche Falls^p²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-10| J: Connor Beasley| T: M Dods| OR: 112| CD

25/1

Dual Stewards' Cup winner who made his mark outside of handicaps last season, winning 3 times in listed/Group 3 company. Shaped like he'd tighten up for his return in last month's Abernant Stakes at Ascot (6f) and he could go well at likely longer odds.

Form: 11412-8

(3)

Diligent Harry^p⁴⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-10| J: R Kingscote| T: C G Cox| OR: 113| D

17/2

Smart gelding who has returned as good as ever this year, winning listed events at Lingfield/Southwell prior to finishing a smashing third in first-time cheekpieces in Meydan Group 1 in March. Only sixth in this race 12 months ago but no surprise to see a better showing this time around.

Form: 284-113

(11)

Fivethousandtoone^v⁴⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-10| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 105| D

28/1

Lightly raced 6-y-o who has improved for the application of a visor this year, career-best effort when successful on AW Finals Day at Newcastle (6f) in March. Needs to translate that improvement back on the turf but he's clearly right at the top of his game.

Form: 362-211

(13)

Khaadem²⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-10| J: J P Spencer| T: C Hills| OR: 116| D

25/1

Smart 8-y-o who produced a clear career-best when edging out Sacred in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot last June. Not disgraced in trio of Group 1's thereafter and he's capable of playing a part if ready to roll after 8 months off.

Form: 031575-

(14)

Marshman^t²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: S H James| T: K R Burke| OR: 106| D

25/1

Made a winning reappearance in a 5.5f Chantilly Group 3 before finishing fifth in this race 12 months ago. Encouraging return when second in listed Cammidge Trophy on return but below that level equipped with a hood behind Washington Heights at Newmarket latest. Headgear discarded here.

Form: 5378-20

(5)

Mill Stream²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: W Buick| T: Jane Chapple-Hyam| OR: 111| D

4/1

Fine efforts when twice placed in valuable big-field handicaps last summer before winning back-to-back races in France (latterly a Group 3). Underperformed final 2 starts but right back on track (following wind op) when second behind Washington Heights in Abernant Stakes 4 weeks ago. Respected.

Form: 21168-2

(7)

Montassib⁵³

Age: 6| Weight: 9-10| J: Cieren Fallon| T: W J Haggas| OR: 108| CD

17/2

Smart performer who signed off 2023 with success in C&D Coral Sprint Trophy and picked up where he left off when landing Cammidge Trophy under a confident ride at Doncaster (6f, heavy) in March. Recnt progress has coincided with ground softer than good but he's not discounted by any means.

Form: 00851-1

(6)

Shouldvebeenaring²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 112| BF| CD

12/1

Likeable sort who acquitted himself well in Group 1 contests on each of his last 2 starts during the autumn. Shaped as if he'd come on for his return on AW in March but only 5½ lengths tenth of 14 to Washington Heights in Abernant Stakes at Newmarket (6f) 27 days ago. Type to bounce back.

Form: 9423-30

(2)

Spycatcher²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-10| J: R L Moore| T: K R Burke| OR: 111| D

4/1

Developed into a smart sprinter last season, winning twice and best of those held up when third in Champions' Sprint at Ascot final start. Encouraging return when running on third in Abernant Stakes (6f) 4 weeks ago and he's another worth a second look here.

Form: 21233-3

(4)

Tiber Flow²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 110| D

13/2

Did well to overhaul Spycatcher when taking Group 3 Chipchase at Newcastle (6f) last July and creditable display when third in Coral Charge final start. Return fifth in Abernant Stakes ought to have taken the freshness out of him. Each-way possibilities.

Form: 5/4213-5

(12)

Washington Heights²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: T Eaves| T: K A Ryan| OR: 113| D

14/1

Strong-travelling sort who gained reward for his consistency in high-end 3-y-o handicaps when landing a listed contest in Sweden in September. Well-served by front-running ride when taking Abernant Stakes on return and demands of this track will equally play to his strengths.

Form: 22441-1

(8)

Azure Blue³⁰⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: P Mulrennan| T: M Dods| OR: 114| CD

14/1

Smart mare who improved again last season, bagging listed event at Newmarket before landing this race with a bit to spare. Probably best not judged too harshly on her final run in July Cup, and whilst her yard's runners have tended to need a run, the fact she won fresh last year a plus here. Claims.

Form: 411/116-

(9)

Swingalong²⁰⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 107| CD

10/1

Won the Lowther here as a juvenile and made it 2-2 over C&D in Group 3 Summer Stakes last July. Acquitted herself with plenty of credit in Group 1's either side of that victory and she commands respect on return to action boasting a 100% record here.

Form: 303144-

Non-Runners

(1)

Cold Case²⁸³

Weight: 9-10| Age: 4

T: K R Burke J: D Tudhope

Forecasts

Mill Stream (4/1), Spycatcher (4/1), Tiber Flow (13/2), Diligent Harry (17/2), Montassib (17/2), Swingalong (10/1), Shouldvebeenaring (12/1), Washington Heights (14/1), Azure Blue (14/1), Cold Case (16/1), Commanche Falls (25/1), Marshman (25/1), Khaadem (25/1), Fivethousandtoone (28/1), Art Power (33/1)

A seriously competitive renewal with the narrow vote in favour of last year's heroine AZURE BLUE. Absent since finishing below her best in last season's July Cup, the manner of her victory in this race previously was most impressive and she could just be worth chancing to dispel an absence. Swingalong, the only other filly in this line up, is a danger, along with Abernant 1-2 Washington Heights and Mill Stream. Spycatcher and Montassib complete the shortlist.