If the second day of York’s August extravaganza is as exciting as the first, then we are in for a treat.
Cracksman and Ulysses absolutely dominated in the two big races on the first day, so it will take something special to top those performances.
The Lowther Stakes at 2.25pm is a speedy sprint for two year old fillies.
Special Purpose is a nicely bred filly that has won both her starts against lesser competition. This is a significantly tougher task for her, but she’s got definite claims, as does Mark Johnston’s entry Threading, who absolutely cruised in at Goodwood last time. That was on very soft ground, but there’s no reason to think she won’t handle these conditions. Madeline won a Listed race at Newbury, although I suspect she may need a little more to win this.
Happy Like A Fool showed good early speed at Ascot, but I’d like to see her ridden more tactically here. If she is restrained a little more, she may have enough in the locker to last home, but it’s not a given.
That’s why I’m siding with Actress, who put in a very good run in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh recently. She acquitted herself well against the boys and despite a long season, I think she might just be able to use that experience to her advantage in this contest.
The feature race at 3.35pm is the Darley Yorkshire Oaks.
This should go the way of Enable if she performs anything like her best. She was breathtaking in the King George and the form has been franked by the horse she beat by over four lengths at Ascot, Ulysses, who scored in the International Stakes.
Of the others Queen’s Trust was third in the race last year and could put down a challenge if Enable is out of tune, while Nezwaah put in a career best to win the Pretty Polly at the Curragh last time out. But they may all be chasing a shadow – that of Enable – who may be back in the stables by the time the rest of them finish the race!