Santiago to score at York
London – Santiago can progress from his seasonal return last month and claim victory in the Matchbook Yorkshire Cup Stakes today, the highlight on the final day of the Dante meeting at York.
Aidan O'Brien's charge is already a Classic winner, having landed the odds by an admittedly narrow margin from his stablemate Tiger Moth in last year's Irish Derby.
Having previously won the Queen's Vase in fine style at Royal Ascot, Santiago was always a contender for the stop staying races and O'Brien opted to try to exploit the three-year-old weight advantage in the Goodwood Cup.
It was not a strongly run race that day - and after Santiago engaged with the re-opposing Nayef Road some 400m out, superstar stayer Stradivarius showed his magnificent turn of foot to trump them both.
Santiago was then sent off favourite for the St Leger on his final start of 2020, but had to settle for fourth in a bunch finish, beaten 1.50 lengths on ground that was perhaps a bit quicker than he would have liked.
Conditions for his return at Navan were maybe also a bit quick in the Vintage Crop Stakes, although his keen-going attitude that day possibly told in the finish too, and Ryan Moore was not hard on him when his chance had gone.
Santiago should strip fitter for that outing, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in a rematch with Nayef Road off level weights. However, it is to be hoped Santiago still has something to give - and any further rain on the Knavesmire would be a huge plus.
Snow Lantern made quite a splash on her first run of the year - and she can graduate to the next level in the Listed Oaks Farm Stables Fillies' Stakes.
A daughter of Frankel out of 1000 Guineas winner Sky Lantern, she finished second on her only juvenile start and then proved too good for the colts on her return at Newbury.
Richard Hannon bypassed a 1000 Guineas run with the filly, taking a long-term view, with this 1600m event the perfect steppingstone to headline events later in the campaign. – Press Association
Instinction could offer a bit of value in the opening Langleys Solicitors British EBF Marygate Fillies' Stakes. She was a narrow winner of a Redcar novice on her racecourse bow - with a couple of subsequent winners finishing in behind, while the runner-up was only just touched off at Chester last week.
Instinction was sent off at odds of 28-1 that day - but after taking an early hold, she finished with purpose and should do even better with experience.
Satono Japan enjoyed no luck on his recent all-weather return, but compensation awaits in the Matchbook “Best Value” Exchange Handicap.