GHAIYYATH CAN TURN ON POWER
DESCRIBED as the ‘finished article’ by connections, GHAIYYATH (York, 3.15) has the opportunity to produce yet another allconquering performance in today’s terrific renewal of the Juddmonte International Stakes.
It is difficult to question trainer Charlie Appleby’s description of his middle distance superstar, who has become a true box office in the last couple of years now he has matured and filled his formidable constitution.
Unbeaten in four starts at a mile and a quarter, Ghaiyyath has traditionally needed sizeable gaps between his races to recuperate following the effort he expends dominating his rivals from the front.
That doesn’t appear to be the case and the only caveat to his chance would be the prospect of a heavy shower serving to change conditions markedly because, as we saw in last season’s Arc, the formidable son of Dubawi struggles to gain any traction for his giant frame on easy ground.
His record when avoiding deep ground in France is phenomenal and today’s test on a galloping track such as York is surely ideal.
His only defeat in seven starts in fields of eight runners or less came at the hands of last year’s Arc winner Waldgeist in last spring’s Prix Ganay and when you consider what his conqueror achieved at Longchamp in his career over 12 furlongs (114111) then there was no disgrace in that reverse.
This afternoon’s feature is no foregone conclusion though, with fellow Dubawi contender Lord North improving beyond all recognition this term and Magical searching for a fourth successive Group One victory.
Add 2,000 Guineas winner Kameko to the mix with improvement likely to be found over this trip and the Knavesmire stages a magnificent event, even if there will sadly be no spectators to roar home the winner.
INDIANAPOLIS (York, nap, 3.45) could be worth a sporting bet to land the Sky Bet Handicap later on the card.
While at first glance it seems as though the fiveyear-old’s season has stalled, his last two efforts were solid and this step up to two miles could be the key to putting him back in the winner’s enclosure.