The Ebor Festival’s third day is almost upon us.
There has been plenty of exciting action on track in the first two days on the Knavesmire, with Baaeed putting in a spectacular performance on Wednesday’s feature race, and sensational mare Alpinasta claiming the win in Thursday’s Yorkshire Oaks.
Stradivarius is the star on show on Friday’s card, with the experienced stayer attempting to reign victorious at York for a record seventh time.
He already has three Lonsdale Cups to his name and a fourth could be within his grasp if things go right for the son of Sea The Stars.
There are many occasions when Stradivarius has been short of room in his races, stuck in traffic, or just not given the smoothest of rides.
He may not retain the same spectacular ability he showed as a young horse, but at the age of eight he is still performing at the highest level in staying contests.
Rival Trueshan may well line-up, with some rainfall due overnight. Connections decided to run the gelding on a sounder surface at Goodwood, where he finished third behind Kyprios and Stradivarius.
Trueshan has recorded wins over Stradivarius in the past, but always in conditions that have suited the younger horse. A rematch between the two on better ground would certainly excite neutrals and racing fans.
But, the popular John & Thady Gosden-trained Stradivarius has captured so many hearts in racing and beyond, and wouldn’t it be wonderful to see him extend his unbeaten run at a course where he has enjoyed so much of his success over the years.
The fans will be flocking in their numbers to catch a glimpse of the chestnut in the parade ring ahead of the 2:25pm extended two-mile contest.
Let’s hope he, with partner Andrea Atzeni, plays sweet music on the Knavesmire, and gets his striped head in front at the winning line. As is often said, there is many a good tune played on an old fiddle.
2:25pm – Lonsdale Cup Stakes (Group 2)
Stradivarius – John & Thady Gosden, Andrea Atzeni
Away from the staying contest, the opening race on the card is an interesting handicap and there are two contenders hoping to give the race a stormy finish.
David O’Meara’s Charging Thunder is 1lbs higher for his second-placed finish to Pride Of Priory at Ascot recently, and has previously run well at York.
The trainer saddled the first-placed, second and fourth in yesterday’s 3:00pm handicap and is in a rich vein of form.
Ryan Moore takes the ride aboard the four-year-old gelding.
Thundering, for Kevin Ryan, is largely unexposed making his first appearance at the track.
Interestingly, he also finished second behind the aforementioned Pride Of Priory when last seen, receiving plenty of weight from the winner with 5lbs claimer Oisin McSweeney aboard.
He is 2lbs higher here, partnered by Josephine Gordon, 3lbs out of the handicap but well-treated and capable of showing further improvement.
Ryan saddled 22/1 winner Bergerac in the opening race of the meeting on Wednesday, and came close with the well-bred Queen Me in Thursday’s Lowther Stakes.
His horses are clearly running well, and young Thundering is certainly in with a chance if he handles the competitive nature of the race.
1:50pm – Class 2 Handicap
Charging Thunder 12/1 (EW) – David O’Meara, Ryan Moore
Thundering 11/1 (EW) – Kevin Ryan, Josephine Gordon
By Katie Midwinter (18/08/22)
THE CONDITIONAL 