York Ebor Update winner: Chaldean (7/1)

Baaeed extended his unbeaten career record to 10 wins with another devastating display in the Juddmonte International on day one of the York Ebor Festival. Trying ten furlongs for the first time, the four year old received a patient ride by Jim Crowley before making his move in the homestraight. Long time leader High Definition soon came under pressure which left last year's winner Mishriff in front. However, he was only there on sufference as William Haggas' superstar swept by before pulling six and a half lengths clear. The son of Sea The Stars is expected to have his final run in the Champion Stakes at Ascot in October before beginning his stallion career. It was a tremendous performance which got the meeting off to the best possible start. 

The York Ebor Update also got off to an excellent start with Chaldean producing a gusty display in the Group 3 Acomb Stakes. Advised at 7/1, the son of Frankel had previously won at Newbury in a race which has worked out well. Given a fine ride by Ryan Moore, he battled on well to fend off the challenge of Windsor winner Indestructible to win by half a length. The third home Oviedo was unlucky not to finish closer having been checked in his run by the fading Mill Stream. Ed Bethell's colt will appreciate a step up to a mile in due course.

Deauville Legend produced a career best effort to win the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes. James Ferguson's gelding has progressed with each run finishing runner-up in the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot before taking the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket. Runner-up behind New London in the Gordon Stakes last time, he stayed on strongly to beat Secret State by nearly lengths. My selection Aikhal was bitterly disappointing - he had the run of the race in front but dropped away tamely once headed. Perhaps he didn't stay but it is worth pointing out both Ballydoyle runners on Wednesdsay finished last by some margin.

I am going to York for the next day and very much looking forward to it. I will be back to update the Diary in due course. Many thanks to those clients who have been purchasing One Jump Ahead and the Updates within the last 24 hours.