Time toughs it out

JASON HEAVEY TIME TEST ground out victory in the Sky Bet York Stakes yesterday.

Roger Charlton’s stable star got locked in a prolonged duel with Mondialiste before forging clear close to the finish. On the surface he was unimpressive on ground that was perfect for him but his trainer and jockey Pat Smullen were happy with the result.

Time Test will now be aimed at the Group One Juddmonte International Stakes back at York in three weeks’ time. He looked poised for an easy victory when he cruised to the front inside the last two furlongs but Mondialiste was dogged and put up a resurgent performance.

Smullen said: “He’s still an immature horse but he travelled extremely well throughout the race. “I loved the way how in the last half furlong he really put it together and got to the line well. Overall, I’d be pleased and I think the better the race the better he’ll be.”

David O’Meara said he would talk to Mondialiste’s owner Geoff Turnbull about supplementing him for the International. The race to be top jockey at the Go Racing In Yorkshire Festival looks set to go down to the final meeting at Pontefract today.

Franny Norton’s victory on Kimberella in the Sky Bet Dash put him level with PJ McDonald on six winners apiece. Both riders are at Pontefract today. Kimberella bossed his race and arrived on the scene travelling with ease inside the final two furlongs and soon sealed the deal.

Mark Johnston, who has had six winners at the festival, looks set to become leading trainer.