Invincible Army sets out to conquer Knavesmire
– Invincible Army looked better than ever on his seasonal bow and must be one for the shortlist today in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes on the opening day of the Dante meeting at York.
James Tate's charge was among the top rank as a juvenile, notching up numerous placed efforts, and looked sure to make a splash in the sprint division last term when winning the Pavilion Stakes at Ascot.
He was only just edged out in the Sandy Lane next time. But his effort in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot was disappointing, and injury brought his season to a premature end after he was beaten in a Newbury Group 3 race.
However, Invincible Army seemed to have put those problems behind him when pitching up for the Cammidge Trophy at
London
Doncaster on his return, and there was plenty to like about the way he held off the re-opposing Major Jumbo by two lengths.
Invincible Army perhaps does not enjoy a really quick surface - but with plenty of rain having fallen in recent days, good ground can play to his strengths.
Frankellina's claims in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes are much less clear-cut, but William Haggas' runner could be the pick in a trappy race.
As with all Classic trials, there are question marks about each of the runners, and Frankellina's victory in a moderate Yarmouth maiden last back end would hardly inspire overwhelming confidence.
However, in narrowly prevailing over 1600m that day, Frankellina looked just the type to excel at middle distances - and Haggas is not one for tilting at windmills.
Indianapolis posted a nice effort on his return to action and could go well at a decent price in the Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Jorvik Handicap.
This four-year-old's dam was a Breeders' Cup winner, while his sire is Galileo, but he has so far failed to really live up to his illustrious pedigree.
Winner of one of his three starts for Aidan O'Brien, Indianapolis changed hands towards the end of last term and showed a glimpse of promise when beaten less than four lengths on his debut.
He really caught the eye on his return at Doncaster, though, coming home a fine second in a conditions heat despite being at a disadvantage at the weights with all but one of the field.
Beaten 2.25 lengths by Red Verdon, Indianapolis was only getting 1.5kg despite the winner being rated 7kg his superior, so it really does represent a good run.
He stays on the same mark here and is worth at least an Eachway bet.
Itsakindamagic can follow up a recent all-weather success in the Moments Restaurant Of Scratby Handicap at Yarmouth.
His keen style of racing leaves him open to fast finishers, but he had just enough in reserve to hang on by a head in a competitive heat at Chelmsford last month.
A 0.5kg rise looks fair enough, and he should give his supporters another good run for their money.
Derby entry Great Bear could take some beating in the Value Rater/EBF Novice Stakes at Bath.
A son of Irish Oaks winner Great Heavens, he made a winning debut last term but could not get his 2019 campaign off to a successful start as he floundered in a novice event at Haydock.
Easy ground was perhaps partly to blame, and it would be no surprise if he could markedly improve on that here. –
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