York Ebor Festival Review

Mishriff and Snowfall produced top class performances in the Juddmonte International and Yorkshire Oaks respectively during the first couple of days of the Ebor Festival at York. The former was recording his third Group 1 victory and his first on home soil when trouncing his rivals by four lengths. The son of Make Believe has earned over £11 million in prize-money, which is a staggering amount. John Gosden indicated afterwards that the four year old will be targeted at either the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe or the Champions Stakes at Ascot in October followed by a possible trip to the US for the Breeders' Cup. Dual Classic winner Love looked a shadow of her former self finishing a well held third, over six lengths behind Mishriff.

Snowfall has been a revelation this season winning four of four by aggregate of over 31 lengths. The daughter of Deep Impact only won one of her seven races last term but she hasn't looked back in 2021. A ready winner of the Musidora Stakes on the Knavesmire, she won the Epsom and Irish Oaks in devastating fashion before outclassing her rivals in the Yorkshire Oaks on Thursday. Ryan Moore bided his time early on before making his move in the homestraight. Stretching clear with over two furlongs to run, she made her rivals looked ordinary. 

As regards the selections in the York Update, Mishriff was a welcome winner on Wednesday. Astro King (advised @ 12/1) ran well in the Clipper Logistics Handicap on Thursday. Ryan Moore did an excellent job to get his mount over from a wide draw and the four year old was in the ideal position turning for home. However, he soon came under pressure and looked set to drift back through the field. He rallied well though and was gaining at the finish. Only beaten a length, Sir Michael Stoute's charge has run well all season for little reward. I was disappointed with Twilight Calls' finishing effort in the opening sprint handicap on Wednesday. Henry Candy's three year old travelled strongly and was the last horse off the bridle but didn't find as much as anticipated. Beaten less than three lengths in sixth, he is a talented horse but isn't finishing his races off at present. Perhaps he wants rattling fast ground. The selections in the Acomb and Great Voltigeur Stakes were also disappointing - I would have struggled to find the respective winners though even if I had another three guesses. Arguably the most frustrating race of the two days though was the Galtres Stakes on Thursday - there were three of the 'Leading Contenders' which made the final field - Pennymoor was my selection and she ran a shocker. The other two were Forbearance (won @ 12/1) and Glenartney (finished third @ 40/1). Fingers crossed for a better couple of days on Friday and Saturday. I am heading to York tomorrow, so I will update the Diary on my return.

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