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Angus McNae's Racing UK Blog |
| Wednesday 19th August 2015 | |
Horn and Gleneagles to falter in Time Test
Golden Horn is the star attraction in a stellar renewal of the Juddmonte International at York on Wednesday, but he arguably faces the toughest test of his career and I believe his unblemished record is very much on the line.
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This will be no Knavesmire lap of honour for the Derby winner, and it is my contention that it will be Time Test who is the one being roared back into the winners’ enclosure at a packed and excitable York.
Golden Horn's credentials are as obvious as his price is restrictive. He is top class, versatile in terms of trip and tactics and has already proved that he handles York with his win in the Dante Stakes. Yet this is the first time he has come up against a horse who can run as fast as Time Test.
At Royal Ascot Time Test was sensational. He bolted up and most importantly the visual impression he created was backed up by the clock.
His Timeform speed figure in the mid 120's was achieved whilst being eased down. There is clearly more in the tank, and if that is the case he is a serious threat to Golden Horn and what's more at 5-1 he represents tremendous value .
Of course it is not just about these two horses, because the 2,000 Guineas winner Gleneagles is also in the mix.
He has more raw speed than his two main rivals, and a slowly-run affair would land him in prime position to strike.
John Gosden realises this, and I am sure that is why he has added a pacemaker in the shape of Dick Doughtywylie to the field.
He clearly feels that Gleneagles is a suspect stayer at 10 furlongs and I would have to concur with that opinion. I am a big fan of Gleneagles, but only as a miler and the trip surely makes him vulnerable.
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On a more negative note, I will be laying Storm The Stars in the win market on the exchanges in the Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes.
He is a really admirable racehorse, who has put together a string of good efforts this year. However there are three reasons to be a layer than a player.
Firstly he is essentially a one-paced individual, who will always be vulnerable to any horse with a change of pace.
Secondly compared to some of his lightly raced rivals he has had a busy season, always giving of his all. This is another big test and it would be no surprise to me if he is due to recoil physically.
Thirdly if you lay him you have some decent horses running for you. The progressive Tashaar was impressive when he won a Goodwood Handicap, and is quite rightly stepped up in Grade.
Bondi Beach and Aloft are likewise both progressive stayers who hail from Aiden O Brien’s yard, as does Giovanni Caneletto.
If Storm The Stars is to win he will have to work hard and it may be that this is a race too far for him and a massive stepping-stone for someone else.
Enjoy all of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival live with us on Racing UK.
Angus McNae's Wednesday Ebor Festival tips:
3.05 York: Lay Storm the Stars in the win market.
3.40 York: Time Test at 5-1 with BetVictor and Paddy Power
