Boodles Yorkshire Cup Stakes (Group 2)

Evergreen 8-y-o who gained a first win at pattern level when taking the Nad Al Sheba Trophy at Meydan in February. Third in the Dubai Gold Cup (2m) next time and place claims with race fitness on his side back at York (went close in the 2024 Lonsdale Cup here).

Went from strength to strength last year, completing a 5-timer in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. Good second in the Irish Leger after and ran well despite drop in trip/sharp track looking against him at the Breeders' Cup. Likeable type who could have more to come.

Lightly raced since his 3-y-o season when hitting the frame in the Derby and St Leger for Owen Burrows (sold for just 16,000 gns after 2 defeats in the Middle East in 2025). Well held in the Sagaro Stakes back from 13 months off for new yard a fortnight ago. Up against it.

Smart hold-up performer but regularly finds one or 2 too good at pattern level, including when losing out by a head in 5-runner renewal of this last season. Respectable runs on his travels again this year but set to come up short once more here.

Runner-up in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot and showed a fine turn of foot when landing the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury in August from Epic Poet. Didn't get the chance to fully show what he could do in the Melbourne Cup when last seen and could have more to offer in 2026 having been gelded.

Progressive in defeat last season after his winning debut at Newcastle, notably when just failing to reel in Scandinavia in St Leger at Doncaster final start. Probably would prefer a stiffer test than this but he's a definite contender.

Made good strides last season, most notably landing the Melrose Handicap over C&D. Gelded and returned with a close third in a Group 2 in Saudi Arabia but took a keen hold and finished well held in the Sagaro at Ascot a fortnight ago. Plenty to find.