Azure Blue is set to face 14 rivals in her bid to win the Group 2 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes for the second year in a row.
The El Kabeir mare got the better of the late, great Highfield Princess in last season’s renewal and could make the most of her weight-for-sex allowance as the second-highest sprinter in the field.
Commanche Falls was third on that occasion and bids to add a second C&D success to his CV, but needs to bounce back from a poor run on seasonal reappearance in last month’s Group 3 Abernant Stakes at Newmarket when finishing behind Washington Heights, Mill Stream and Spycatcher, who placed second in this two years ago.
Montassib beat Marshman – the favourite for last season’s renewal – by a neck in the Cammidge Trophy but the latter has since let the form down in the Abernant.
Meanwhile, last year’s British Champions Sprint Stakes scorer Art Power and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes hero Khaadem bring Group 1 form to the table.
The latest Duke Of York Clipper Stakes odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.
Duke Of York Clipper Stakes verdict
Timeform: A seriously competitive renewal with the narrow vote in favour of last year’s heroine AZURE BLUE. Absent since finishing below her best in last season’s July Cup, the manner of her victory in this race previously was most impressive and she could just be worth chancing to dispel an absence. Swingalong, the only other filly in this line up, is a danger, along with Abernant 1-2 Washington Heights and Mill Stream. Spycatcher and Montassib complete the shortlist.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Duke Of York Clipper Stakes runners and riders
The following horses have been declared for the Duke Of York Clipper Stakes 2024.
Art Power
Trainer: Tim Easterby Jockey: David Allan Age: 7 Weight: 10st 1lbs Draw: 10
Very talented on his day, winning twice at the Curragh last term and signed off with success in Ascot Group 1 on Champions’ Day in October, showing a good attitude in the process. Seemed stretched by extended 6f in Group 2 at Riyadh in February but likely to be sharper for that.
***
Cold Case
Trainer: K. R. Burke Jockey: Non Runner Age: 4 Weight: 9st 10lbs Draw: 1
Non Runner
Comanche Falls
Trainer: Michael Dods Jockey: Connor Beasley Age: 7 Weight: 9st 10lbs Draw: 15
Dual Stewards’ Cup winner who made his mark outside of handicaps last season, winning 3 times in listed/Group 3 company. Shaped like he’d tighten up for his return in last month’s Abernant Stakes at Ascot (6f) and he could go well at likely longer odds.
***
Diligent Harry
Trainer: Clive Cox Jockey: Richard Kingscote Age: 6 Weight: 9st 10lbs Draw: 3
Smart gelding who has returned as good as ever this year, winning listed events at Lingfield/Southwell prior to finishing a smashing third in first-time cheekpieces in Meydan Group 1 in March. Only sixth in this race 12 months ago but no surprise to see a better showing this time around.
***
Fivethousandtoone
Trainer: Andrew Balding Jockey: Oisin Murphy Age: 6 Weight: 9st 10lbs Draw: 11
Lightly raced 6-y-o who has improved for the application of a visor this year, career-best effort when successful on AW Finals Day at Newcastle (6f) in March. Needs to translate that improvement back on the turf but he’s clearly right at the top of his game.
***
Khaadem
Trainer: Charles Hills Jockey: Jamie Spencer Age: 8 Weight: 9st 10lbs Draw: 13
Smart 8-y-o who produced a clear career-best when edging out Sacred in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot last June. Not disgraced in trio of Group 1’s thereafter and he’s capable of playing a part if ready to roll after 8 months off.
***
Marshman
Trainer: K. R. Burke Jockey: Sam James Age: 4 Weight: 9st 10lbs Draw: 14
Made a winning reappearance in a 5.5f Chantilly Group 3 before finishing fifth in this race 12 months ago. Encouraging return when second in listed Cammidge Trophy on return but below that level equipped with a hood behind Washington Heights at Newmarket latest. Headgear discarded here.
***
Mill Stream
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam Jockey: William Buick Age: 4 Weight: 9st 10lbs Draw: 5
Fine efforts when twice placed in valuable big-field handicaps last summer before winning back-to-back races in France (latterly a Group 3). Underperformed final 2 starts but right back on track (following wind op) when second behind Washington Heights in Abernant Stakes 4 weeks ago. Respected.
****
Montassib
Trainer: William Haggas Jockey: Cieren Fallon Age: 6 Weight: 9st 10lbs Draw: 7
Smart performer who signed off 2023 with success in C&D Coral Sprint Trophy and picked up where he left off when landing Cammidge Trophy under a confident ride at Doncaster (6f, heavy) in March. Recent progress has coincided with ground softer than good but he’s not discounted by any means.
***
Shouldvebeenaring
Trainer: Richard Hannon Jockey: Sean Levey Age: 4 Weight: 9st 10lbs Draw: 6
Likeable sort who acquitted himself well in Group 1 contests on each of his last 2 starts during the autumn. Shaped as if he’d come on for his return on AW in March but only 5½ lengths tenth of 14 to Washington Heights in Abernant Stakes at Newmarket (6f) 27 days ago. Type to bounce back.
***
Spycatcher
Trainer: K. R. Burke Jockey: Ryan Moore Age: 6 Weight: 9st 10lbs Draw: 2
Developed into a smart sprinter last season, winning twice and best of those held up when third in Champions’ Sprint at Ascot final start. Encouraging return when running on third in Abernant Stakes (6f) 4 weeks ago and he’s another worth a second look here.
****
Tiber Flow
Trainer: William Haggas Jockey: Tom Marquand Age: 5 Weight: 9st 10lbs Draw: 4
Did well to overhaul Spycatcher when taking Group 3 Chipchase at Newcastle (6f) last July and creditable display when third in Coral Charge final start. Return fifth in Abernant Stakes ought to have taken the freshness out of him. Each-way possibilities.
***
Washington Heights
Trainer: Kevin Ryan Jockey: Tom Eaves Age: 4 Weight: 9st 10lbs Draw: 12
Strong-travelling sort who gained reward for his consistency in high-end 3-y-o handicaps when landing a listed contest in Sweden in September. Well-served by front-running ride when taking Abernant Stakes on return and demands of this track will equally play to his strengths.
****
Azure Blue
Trainer: Michael Dods Jockey: Paul Mulrennan Age: 5 Weight: 9st 7lbs Draw: 8
Smart mare who improved again last season, bagging listed event at Newmarket before landing this race with a bit to spare. Probably best not judged too harshly on her final run in July Cup, and whilst her yard’s runners have tended to need a run, the fact she won fresh last year a plus here. Claims.
*****
Swingalong
Trainer: K. R. Burke Jockey: Clifford Lee Age: 4 Weight: 9st 7lbs Draw: 9
Won the Lowther here as a juvenile and made it 2-2 over C&D in Group 3 Summer Stakes last July. Acquitted herself with plenty of credit in Group 1’s either side of that victory and she commands respect on return to action boasting a 100% record here.
****
Wednesday’s Horse Racing Tips
- Matt Chapman’s ITV Racing tips at York & Ffos Las
- Mick Fitzgerald’s ITV Racing tips for York & Ffos Las
- Jason Weaver’s ITV Racing tips at York
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